History 1990s

1995 Rallye de Portugal – Vinho do Porto (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1995 Rallye de Portugal – Vinho do Porto (Portugal)

Date: March 7–11, 1995

Start Location: Porto, Portugal

Finish Location: Porto, Portugal

Total Distance: 351.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel and Tarmac

The 1995 Rallye de Portugal was a demanding event that saw Juha Kankkunen rise to the occasion, driving his Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 to victory. The rally’s combination of gravel and tarmac sections required exceptional handling and tire strategy. Kankkunen’s precise driving through the varied stages—particularly the slippery gravel—allowed him to outpace the competition and secure the win in one of the most iconic rallies in the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar.

Route

Arcos de Valdevez: Fast gravel roads with sweeping corners, requiring a balance between speed and tire grip.
Monte Real: A tight, technical stage with several sharp corners that tested braking precision and acceleration control.
Vinho do Porto: The final stage offered a combination of gravel and tarmac, pushing drivers to stay focused and manage tire wear across mixed surfaces.

The event took place on Portugal’s notoriously difficult roads, with a mix of fast tarmac and loose gravel sections that tested both car setup and driver skill:

Conditions ranged from dry and fast to slippery in some of the more technical sections, making tire selection crucial to success. Kankkunen’s ability to adapt to changing conditions set him apart from the competition.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Juha Kankkunen & Nicky Grist · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Subaru Impreza 555
3rd Place
Didier Auriol & Bernard Occelli · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD

Kankkunen’s commanding performance, combined with his flawless navigation through the gravel and tarmac, earned him the top spot. Sainz and Auriol followed closely but couldn’t match Kankkunen’s pace over the course of the rally.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mixed Surfaces: The gravel-to-tarmac transitions required strategic tire changes and careful driving to avoid losing time.
  • High-Speed Gravel: The rally featured several high-speed gravel sections, where tire wear and handling were key to maintaining pace.
  • Temperature Fluctuations: The varying conditions during the rally, from sunny weather to rain, kept teams on edge, making it crucial to adjust car setups accordingly.

The 1995 Rallye de Portugal was a showcase of tactical driving and impeccable car control. Kankkunen’s win added another significant chapter to his illustrious career, proving his mastery of both gravel and tarmac surfaces.

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