History 1990s

1993 Rallye de Portugal – Vinho do Porto (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1993 Rallye de Portugal – Vinho do Porto (Portugal)

Date: March 3–6, 1993

Start Location: Estoril, Portugal

Finish Location: Porto, Portugal

Total Distance: 541.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel and tarmac

The 1993 Rallye de Portugal brought fast, dusty gravel mixed with tarmac specials and unpredictable spring weather. François Delecour, fresh from his Monte Carlo triumph, stayed aggressive from the outset and handled the transition between surfaces with confidence. His Ford Escort RS Cosworth handled the gravel beautifully, while his tarmac pace was unmatched. Co-driver Daniel Grataloup ensured clean navigation throughout, and together they dominated the event with strategic tire choices and relentless pace.

Route

Arganil and Lousã: Classic Portuguese gravel—dusty, fast, and lined with cliffs and fans just feet away from the cars.
Sintra and Ponte de Lima: Asphalt stages with slick corners and surprise surface changes—demanded clean tire management.
Freita Mountains: Long, fog-prone stages through mountainous gravel roads—pace notes had to be perfect.

Portugal’s mixed-surface challenge featured everything from soft gravel to narrow tarmac lanes, often surrounded by passionate—and dangerously close—crowds:

The event’s changing conditions caught out many top drivers, but Delecour adapted quickly and never lost momentum once in the lead.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
François Delecour & Daniel Grataloup · Ford Escort RS Cosworth
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Lancia Delta HF Integrale
3rd Place
Juha Kankkunen & Nicky Grist · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD

Delecour’s back-to-back victories cemented his and Ford’s credibility as real title threats in 1993—Portugal was a masterclass in adaptability and stage control.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Surface Transitions: Switching between gravel and tarmac tested car setup and driver adaptability—Delecour handled both effortlessly.
  • Spectator Risk: Portugal’s stages were lined with fans—staying focused through chaotic scenes required nerves of steel.
  • Weather Variability: Intermittent rain added unpredictability, especially on worn tarmac stages—tire choices were crucial to staying ahead.

The 1993 Rallye de Portugal was a perfect demonstration of composure and versatility—Delecour’s second win of the season showed he was no longer an underdog, but a favorite.

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