History 1990s

1991 International Swedish Rally (Sweden)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1991 International Swedish Rally (Sweden)

Date: February 16–18, 1991

Start Location: Karlstad, Sweden

Finish Location: Karlstad, Sweden

Total Distance: 448.00 km of special stages

Surface: Snow and ice

The 1991 Swedish Rally was a true Scandinavian showcase, with pristine snowbanks and frozen gravel providing the stage for one of Kenneth Eriksson’s finest drives. Taking full advantage of home conditions, Eriksson piloted the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 to a historic win—marking the manufacturer’s first WRC victory in full winter conditions and establishing Eriksson as a force in the championship.

Route

Hagfors and Lima Loops: Fast, sweeping roads where committed throttle and rear rotation were key to carrying speed.
Fredriksberg: Longer stages with elevation shifts and hidden crests—rewarded local knowledge and pace note accuracy.
Torsby Region: Classic Swedish snow rally terrain—ice-polished and lined with enthusiastic spectators armed with shovels.

The rally covered classic Värmland territory, mixing flowing forest roads with fast, narrow sections flanked by soft snowbanks:

With consistent sub-zero temperatures, the stages remained crisp and rutted, favoring drivers with experience in high-speed winter control.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Kenneth Eriksson & Staffan Parmander · Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
2nd Place
Ari Vatanen & Bruno Berglund · Subaru Legacy RS
3rd Place
Markku Alén & Ilkka Kivimäki · Subaru Legacy RS

Eriksson’s win was a breakthrough for Mitsubishi, signaling that the team could not only contend but win in harsh conditions—especially with a homegrown talent behind the wheel.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Snowbank Risk: Useful for cornering, but deadly if misjudged—many drivers lost time after burying bumpers or flipping into drifts.
  • Ice Grip Management: Studded tires gave bite, but lines had to be precise—too wide, and traction dropped off fast.
  • Stage Rhythm: Eriksson maintained consistent pace and bravery, staying in the groove from start to finish without major mistakes.

The 1991 Swedish Rally was a perfect storm of pace, precision, and home advantage—Kenneth Eriksson’s name was now etched among the sport’s elite winter warriors.

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