History 1980s

1985 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally (China)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1985 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally (China)

Date: August 1985

Start Location: Hong Kong

Finish Location: Beijing, China

Total Distance: ~3,400 km

Surface: Asphalt and gravel

The 1985 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally marked a landmark moment in motorsport diplomacy and logistics. As the first major international rally event in China, it traversed a vast and varied route through cities, countryside, and remote provinces. Hannu Mikkola and Arne Hertz, rallying legends from the Group B era, took victory in their Audi Quattro A2—proving both car and crew could adapt to a new kind of challenge, far from the typical European circuits.

Route

Guangdong Province: Urban sprawl, early tarmac speed tests, and dense population zones.
Hunan and Hubei: Remote gravel roads and mountain passes with limited service access and rough conditions.
Hebei to Beijing: Final sprint on faster, sweeping roads approaching the capital with improved infrastructure.

The rally followed a northbound path that combined modern highways, historical routes, and rural tracks:

With cultural sensitivities and logistical complexities, the event represented a blend of competition and diplomacy, attracting global attention as China opened up to the world stage.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Hannu Mikkola & Arne Hertz · Audi Quattro A2
2nd Place
Mike Kirkland & Dave Williamson · Nissan 240RS
3rd Place
Per Eklund & Claes Billstam · Toyota Celica TCT

Mikkola’s victory added to his already illustrious career and symbolized the technical superiority and adaptability of the Audi Quattro platform—even in politically sensitive and logistically unique conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

  • New Terrain: Unfamiliar roads and rapidly changing infrastructure meant navigation and improvisation were vital.
  • Diplomatic Hurdles: The route passed through numerous checkpoints and regions requiring careful coordination.
  • Mechanical Self-Reliance: Sparse service support in remote zones meant crews had to solve problems independently.

The 1985 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally was a landmark fusion of motorsport and diplomacy—Mikkola’s win marked not just a rally triumph, but a symbolic leap into the future of global rallying.

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