History 1990s

1994 Network Q RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1994 Network Q RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Date: November 20–23, 1994

Start Location: Cardiff, Wales

Finish Location: Cardiff, Wales

Total Distance: 324.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1994 Network Q RAC Rally marked a historic win for Colin McRae, who took his Subaru Impreza 555 to victory in Britain’s wet and slippery conditions. McRae’s exceptional driving on the challenging gravel roads, coupled with a clever tire strategy, helped him outpace the competition and clinch his first WRC victory. This win was a significant milestone in McRae’s career and showcased his ability to dominate in conditions that often forced top drivers to falter.

Route

Sweet Lamb: A long, muddy stage that proved difficult for many teams, where handling and tire grip were crucial.
Pikes Peak: Fast gravel with sweeping bends, requiring quick reflexes and exceptional braking precision.
Forest of Dean: Narrow, tight tracks with lots of tree cover and a high risk of damaging suspension components.

The 1994 RAC Rally took drivers through the forests and countryside of Wales and northern England, with rough, muddy gravel roads that demanded precise car control:

The wet weather added to the challenge, making visibility poor and the roads slippery, with mud and standing water proving to be obstacles throughout the rally.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Derek Ringer · Subaru Impreza 555
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD
3rd Place
Didier Auriol & Bernard Occelli · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD

McRae’s victory came after a thrilling battle with Sainz and Auriol. His solid pace and consistency, combined with strategic tire changes to match the conditions, were the keys to his victory.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Slippery Conditions: Wet gravel roads, muddy stages, and standing water made traction difficult, forcing teams to adjust their driving styles and tire choices.
  • Tire Strategy: McRae’s tire choices were key—he opted for tires that allowed him to push the pace on the wet gravel, while others struggled to maintain grip.
  • Rocky Forest Roads: Sections of the rally included rough, narrow tracks that tested car durability and driver skill, with rocks and tree roots damaging suspensions.

The 1994 Network Q RAC Rally was a career-defining moment for McRae, showcasing his skill in challenging conditions. His victory in Great Britain was an iconic moment in WRC history and set the stage for a future of dominance in the sport.

← Previous Event 1994 Rallye de España – Catalunya (Spain)
Back to Events Index
1995 Granada–Dakar Rally (Spain–Morocco–Mauritania–Guinea–Senegal) Next Event →

Watch rallies anywhere — bypass region blocks with NordVPN.

Fast servers for HD streams Servers in 60+ countries 30-day money-back

Unblock coverage — Save up to 77% + 3 months free

Sponsored link. Using our partner links helps support Compromised Internals at no extra cost to you.