History 1980s

1982 Rallye de Portugal – Vinho do Porto (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1982 Rallye de Portugal – Vinho do Porto

Date: March 3–6, 1982

Host Country: Portugal

Surface: Asphalt / Gravel

Total Distance: 637.07 km (competitive)

Total Starters: Approx. 90 crews

Total Finishers: 36 crews

The 1982 Rallye de Portugal delivered one of the most dramatic performances of the season, with Michèle Mouton and co-driver Fabrizia Pons dominating the event in their Audi Quattro. Despite treacherous weather, large crowds, and treacherous surface changes, the duo led with poise and precision. The result marked Mouton’s third WRC win and solidified her status as a top championship contender in the early Group B era.

Route

Fafe Jumps: Famous for long gravel straights and big air moments—both thrilling and dangerous.
Arganil Loops: Twisting, technical stages often cloaked in fog and rain—low visibility and high stress.
Night Sections: Added difficulty with unpredictable grip changes and tight corners on slick roads.

The rally included a brutal mix of narrow asphalt lanes and rocky gravel tracks across the hills and countryside around Fafe, Arganil, and Lousã. Crowds lined the stages in massive numbers, often spilling dangerously close to the action.

Drivers had to adapt constantly, with tire selection and pace note precision becoming critical as asphalt stages transitioned into gravel in unpredictable fashion.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Michèle Mouton & Fabrizia Pons · Audi Quattro
2nd Place
Walter Röhrl & Christian Geistdörfer · Opel Ascona 400
3rd Place
Ari Vatanen & Terry Harryman · Ford Escort RS1800 MkII

Mouton’s dominant pace was unmatched on gravel and asphalt alike. Röhrl stayed in contention with tactical consistency, while Vatanen pushed the Escort hard but couldn't match the Quattro’s pace or stability.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Surface Switching: Teams had to balance setups and driving styles for constant changes between smooth asphalt and rough gravel.
  • Weather Shifts: Portuguese rains created slippery gravel and flooded low sections—visibility and tire wear suffered.
  • Spectator Safety: Crowds sometimes blocked roads, adding psychological pressure and unpredictable hazards mid-stage.

The 1982 Rallye de Portugal was a defining moment in WRC history—showcasing not only Audi’s technological leap but also Mouton’s unmatched courage and skill under chaotic rally conditions.

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