History 1980s

1985 Rally Argentina

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1985 Rally Argentina

Date: July 28–31, 1985

Start Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finish Location: Córdoba, Argentina

Total Distance: ~1,100 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1985 Rally Argentina was one of the roughest on the WRC calendar, with stages stretching across the rugged Pampas and punishing highland tracks of the Córdoba region. Timo Salonen rose to the challenge in dominant fashion, guiding the Peugeot 205 T16 through dust, rocks, and river crossings with unmatched pace and consistency.

Route

Traslasierra Mountains: Rough, technical mountain paths with rock-littered surfaces and fast descents.
Córdoba Hills: Narrow gravel tracks with blind crests and water splashes that tested cooling systems.
Pampas Plains: High-speed gravel straights with long stage distances and minimal elevation changes.

Argentina’s stages featured wide-open plains, mountain trails, and intense mechanical demands:

Sudden surface changes and inconsistent weather across Argentina’s vast terrain made every service interval crucial and every tire decision count.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Timo Salonen & Seppo Harjanne · Peugeot 205 T16
2nd Place
Stig Blomqvist & Björn Cederberg · Audi Quattro
3rd Place
Jorge Recalde & Martin Christie · Renault 18 GTX

Salonen’s relentless pace and the 205’s resilience were a perfect match for Argentina’s rough stages, further establishing Peugeot as the team to beat in 1985.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Rock Damage: Tires, differentials, and suspensions were constantly at risk from Argentina’s harsh terrain.
  • Dust Management: Thick dust clouds demanded smart spacing and clean air strategies on long stages.
  • Endurance: Heat and fatigue were significant factors, especially during multi-hour stage loops.

The 1985 Rally Argentina was a true test of endurance and machinery—Salonen and Peugeot passed with flying colors, taking another step toward a dominant championship season.

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