History 1980s

1988 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1988 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Date: August 26–28, 1988

Start Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

Finish Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

Total Distance: 355 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1988 1000 Lakes Rally delivered another high-speed rollercoaster through Finland’s legendary forests. With its signature crests and blind corners, it demanded full commitment and perfect pacenotes. Markku Alén delivered both, securing his sixth win on home soil. His Lancia Delta HF 4WD remained planted through the air and over gravel, giving Finnish fans a masterclass in precision and bravery.

Route

Ouninpohja: Legendary for its massive jumps and sweeping curves—maximum commitment required.
Laukaa: Technical rhythm stage with frequent grip changes and elevation shifts.
Ruuhimäki: Featured the event’s most famous jump—timing and landing angle could make or break the car’s suspension.

Known as the fastest rally of the season, Finland offered wide, cambered gravel roads and famous airborne challenges:

Dry conditions and consistent grip gave drivers the green light to push flat out, making the rally a true test of top-speed control.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Markku Alén & Ilkka Kivimäki · Lancia Delta HF 4WD
2nd Place
Miki Biasion & Tiziano Siviero · Lancia Delta HF 4WD
3rd Place
Juha Kankkunen & Juha Piironen · Mazda 323 4WD

Alén’s victory marked a homecoming triumph—his mastery of the terrain and connection with the Finnish crowds made this one of the most popular wins of the season.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Air Time Management: Poor landing angles could unsettle the car—smooth flight was faster than wild leaps.
  • Pacenote Perfection: Blind crests demanded exact calls and absolute trust in the co-driver.
  • Local Pressure: Finnish drivers were expected to deliver—Alén thrived under that pressure and made no mistakes.

The 1988 1000 Lakes Rally reaffirmed Markku Alén’s legacy as a gravel master—his speed and style made this victory a fan favorite and a key highlight of the season.

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