History 1980s

1982 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1982 1000 Lakes Rally

Date: August 27–29, 1982

Host Country: Finland

Surface: Gravel

Total Distance: 479.82 km (competitive)

Total Starters: Approx. 90 crews

Total Finishers: 48 crews

The 1982 edition of the 1000 Lakes Rally—Finland’s crown jewel in the WRC—saw local legend Hannu Mikkola claim a spectacular win in front of an adoring home crowd. With Arne Hertz beside him and the Audi Quattro underneath, Mikkola attacked the jumps and high-speed crests of central Finland with total confidence. It was a defining moment for the Quattro, finally proving its superiority even on the fastest gravel stages in the world.

Route

Ouninpohja: Fast, flowing stage packed with jumps—requires supreme car control and note precision.
Laukaa: Mixed surfaces and forest trails with sudden transitions between narrow and wide sections.
Myhinpää: Technical segments that favored throttle balance and fast reaction time at high speed.

Based out of Jyväskylä, the rally featured some of the most iconic stages in rallying, including famous jumps, sweeping corners, and blind crests through Finnish forests and lake regions.

With its blend of flat-out stages and split-second directional changes, the 1000 Lakes Rally is often dubbed a ‘driver’s rally’—and Mikkola delivered in every category.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Hannu Mikkola & Arne Hertz · Audi Quattro
2nd Place
Ari Vatanen & Terry Harryman · Ford Escort RS1800 MkII
3rd Place
Henri Toivonen & Fred Gallagher · Opel Ascona 400

Mikkola’s pace was relentless, building a lead early and managing it with characteristic calm. Vatanen thrilled the home fans with trademark aggression in the Escort, while Toivonen’s consistency kept him in the hunt for a podium throughout the weekend.

Navigation & Challenges

  • High-Speed Crests: Co-driver accuracy was vital—blind jumps came fast and frequently.
  • Rhythm Driving: Success came from smooth inputs and anticipating long arcs through forest bends.
  • Grip Variations: Dry pine needles, gravel drifts, and soft ruts all made traction unpredictable mid-stage.

With this win, Mikkola reaffirmed his mastery of fast gravel and gave the Audi Quattro a crucial momentum boost in its all-surface conquest of the WRC.

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