History 1980s

1985 Rallye Sanremo (Italy)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1985 Rallye Sanremo (Italy)

Date: September 29 – October 4, 1985

Start Location: Sanremo, Italy

Finish Location: Sanremo, Italy

Total Distance: 650 km of special stages

Surface: Asphalt and gravel

The 1985 Sanremo Rally put drivers and machines to the ultimate test with its dramatic switch from tarmac to gravel halfway through the event. Walter Röhrl used his legendary adaptability and the raw power of the Audi Quattro S1 to dominate both surfaces. His calculated aggression and refined car control brought Audi a hard-fought victory in one of the most demanding events of the season.

Route

Monte Ceppo: Narrow mountain roads with minimal runoff and constantly changing grip.

Andagna–Pigna: Switchbacks and descents through coastal villages on worn tarmac.

Passo Teglia: Remote and rocky gravel pass, combining elevation changes and traction traps.

The event transitioned mid-rally from high-speed asphalt mountain stages to loose and rutted gravel roads, including:

Weather conditions remained relatively dry, though the surface transitions required tire strategy, adaptable setups, and composure under pressure.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner

Walter Röhrl & Christian Geistdörfer · Audi Quattro S1

2nd Place

Timo Salonen & Seppo Harjanne · Peugeot 205 T16

3rd Place

Fabrizio Tabaton & Luciano Tedeschini · Lancia Rally 037

Röhrl’s victory was a masterclass in stage management—balancing aggression and preservation across two drastically different surfaces in a car known more for brute force than finesse.

Navigation & Challenges

Surface Transition: Crews had to recalibrate setups, pace notes, and driving styles mid-rally.
Tire and Service Strategy: Timing tire swaps and suspension changes was vital to remain competitive on both surfaces.
Technical Pressure: The switchback-laden roads offered no room for error, particularly during night stages.

The 1985 Rallye Sanremo demanded versatility above all, and Röhrl’s brilliance across asphalt and gravel reaffirmed his status as one of rallying’s greatest tacticians.

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