History 1990s

1990 Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1990 Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Date: July 24–28, 1990

Start Location: Córdoba, Argentina

Finish Location: Córdoba, Argentina

Total Distance: 386.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1990 Rally Argentina proved to be a pivotal event in Carlos Sainz’s championship campaign. Battling through high-speed gravel, river crossings, and unpredictable terrain, Sainz and co-driver Luis Moya maintained relentless pace and mechanical discipline. Their Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165 held up under the demanding conditions, allowing them to secure another crucial victory in the South American heat and altitude.

Route

Traslasierra Mountains: Tight and twisty gravel with steep drops, rocky outcrops, and deep ruts from earlier passes.
Calamuchita Valley: Fast flowing sections and long crests—drivers needed confidence to stay flat through blind bends.
River Crossings: Famous for multiple water splashes—drivers had to manage speed and line to avoid stalling or aquaplaning.

Argentina’s rally route wound through rugged mountainous terrain and open plains with varying grip and conditions:

The combination of rough terrain and long competitive distances made reliability and tire strategy crucial to success.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
2nd Place
Juha Kankkunen & Juha Piironen · Lancia Delta Integrale 16V
3rd Place
Jorge Recalde & Martin Christie · Lancia Delta Integrale 16V

Sainz’s win showcased both speed and discipline—keeping the Toyota intact through some of the WRC’s harshest conditions proved key to his championship momentum.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Altitude Impact: Reduced power and changing grip levels made engine management and tire selection more complex than in lower-elevation rallies.
  • Stage Wear: Repeated runs chewed up the surface, especially in hairpins—many crews suffered punctures or suspension failures.
  • Consistency: Sainz didn’t just rely on pace—he avoided trouble through clean stage execution and minimal risk-taking.

The 1990 Rally Argentina was a gritty, high-stakes challenge—Carlos Sainz’s performance underscored his growing maturity and marked him as the man to beat for the world title.

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