History 1990s

1990 Lombard RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1990 Lombard RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Date: November 25–28, 1990

Start Location: Harrogate, England

Finish Location: Harrogate, England

Total Distance: 566.27 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel and asphalt

The 1990 RAC Rally marked the dramatic conclusion to a hard-fought season. Carlos Sainz needed a strong result to claim the championship—and he delivered in style. With fog, rain, and slippery forest roads defining the event, Sainz drove with absolute control to win the rally and secure his maiden world title, becoming the first Spaniard to do so. It was a crowning moment for both driver and Toyota.

Route

Kielder Forest: Fast, blind corners through thick trees with heavy fog and deep mud—punishing for any lapse in judgment.
Dyfi and Hafren: Slippery Welsh stages lined with roots, slick stones, and elevation shifts that tested traction and bravery.
Grizedale and Dalby: Iconic RAC challenges—long and fast, with minimal margin for error and variable surface grip.

The RAC featured classic British stages across England and Wales, often run without pacenotes and in tough late-autumn weather:

Despite the pressure of a title-deciding round, Sainz kept his cool, pulling away from rivals on every loop with clean, assertive driving.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
2nd Place
Juha Kankkunen & Juha Piironen · Lancia Delta Integrale 16V
3rd Place
Malcolm Wilson & Nigel Harris · Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4

Sainz’s win didn’t just secure the RAC—it secured his first WRC crown and marked a changing of the guard in rallying’s modern era.

Navigation & Challenges

  • No Pacenotes: Traditional RAC rules meant drivers had to memorize and react—Sainz’s calm demeanor paid off in foggy forests.
  • Variable Grip: Gravel, mud, standing water, and asphalt all in a single loop tested car setup and adaptability.
  • Championship Pressure: Sainz drove a tactically perfect event under immense pressure—delivering one of his greatest performances.

The 1990 Lombard RAC Rally delivered high drama and historic glory—Carlos Sainz’s victory confirmed him as world champion and Toyota as the sport’s new standard bearer.

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