History 1990s

1995 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1995 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Date: August 18–20, 1995

Start Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

Finish Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

Total Distance: 365.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1995 1000 Lakes Rally was a showcase of Finnish driving prowess, with Tommi Mäkinen and co-driver Seppo Harjanne taking victory in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III. The rally’s combination of fast gravel roads and technical corners required skill, precision, and mental endurance, all of which Mäkinen demonstrated in spades. The victory marked a key moment in Mäkinen’s career as he triumphed on his home turf, outpacing fierce competition in one of the toughest rallies on the WRC calendar.

Route

Jyvaskyla Stage: A fast and flowing stage with sweeping corners, demanding precision and speed.
Ouninpohja: One of the rally’s most famous stages, featuring jumps and tight turns that require excellent car control and quick reflexes.
Himos: A more technical stage with narrower paths and sharp bends, testing the suspension and braking system of the cars.

The 1000 Lakes Rally is famous for its smooth, high-speed gravel stages mixed with more technical sections, offering a challenging test of both car setup and driver skill:

Conditions were ideal for gravel racing, with dry weather throughout the event, giving drivers excellent grip and confidence on the open roads. Mäkinen’s consistency in these stages gave him the advantage over his competitors.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Tommi Mäkinen & Seppo Harjanne · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III
2nd Place
Juha Kankkunen & Nicky Grist · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
3rd Place
Colin McRae & Derek Ringer · Subaru Impreza 555

Mäkinen’s smooth driving and ability to keep a steady pace across the mixed gravel stages allowed him to finish ahead of Kankkunen and McRae, who both put in strong performances but couldn’t catch Mäkinen's flawless execution throughout the rally.

Navigation & Challenges

  • High-Speed Gravel: The rally’s high-speed gravel sections required drivers to balance speed with caution, as the surface conditions could change rapidly.
  • Cornering Precision: Many of the rally’s corners required pinpoint accuracy and quick reflexes, with minimal room for error due to the narrow gravel paths.
  • Suspension and Tires: The rough gravel stages put significant stress on suspension systems, and tire management was key to maintaining competitive speed over the course of the rally.

The 1995 1000 Lakes Rally was a testament to Mäkinen’s ability to adapt to the tough conditions and maintain a high level of performance throughout the event. His smooth driving and car setup made the difference, and his victory was a defining moment in the WRC season.

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