History 1990s

1994 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1994 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Date: August 19–21, 1994

Start Location: Jyvaskyla, Finland

Finish Location: Jyvaskyla, Finland

Total Distance: 365.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1994 1000 Lakes Rally was another classic edition of Finland’s most iconic event. Didier Auriol showed superb skill and pace on the technical gravel stages, overcoming the high-speed demands of the Finnish countryside in his Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD. With precise driving and effective tire management, Auriol took control early and never looked back, clinching another important victory in his quest for the 1994 WRC title.

Route

Ouninpohja: Known for its jumps and high-speed corners, this legendary stage is considered one of the most difficult in WRC history.
Vesala: Tight, technical sections where brake balance and throttle control were essential for success.
Turun Seutu: Fast gravel roads with sweeping bends—drivers had to control both speed and tire wear across long stages.

The rally featured classic Finnish gravel stages with high-speed corners, jumps, and narrow forest tracks:

As usual, the rally featured deep gravel ruts, forest roads, and quick transitions—terrain that demanded top-level car control and mental focus.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Didier Auriol & Bernard Occelli · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD
2nd Place
Juha Kankkunen & Nicky Grist · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Subaru Impreza 555

Auriol’s victory at the 1000 Lakes was a testament to his unmatched ability on gravel—he controlled the rally from start to finish, despite fierce competition from both Kankkunen and Sainz.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Jump Control: The stages featured several jumps, which required precise control of the throttle and suspension to avoid damaging the car.
  • Gravel Ruts: Deep ruts and loose gravel forced drivers to adjust constantly, maintaining traction while avoiding costly mistakes.
  • High-Speed Corners: Drivers had to find the perfect balance between aggression and caution—pushing hard without overdriving and risking a spin.

The 1994 1000 Lakes Rally was a true test of skill and composure—Auriol’s steady approach and unmatched consistency allowed him to emerge victorious in one of the world’s most challenging gravel rallies.

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