History 1990s

1995 555 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally (China)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1995 555 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally (China)

Date: October 12–18, 1995

Start Location: Hong Kong

Finish Location: Beijing, China

Total Distance: ~3,670 km (total route), 437 km competitive stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1995 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally was a monumental event that tested the endurance of both man and machine. The rally stretched across China’s rugged and diverse terrain, with competitors facing dusty, rough gravel roads. Kenneth Eriksson and co-driver Staffan Parmander dominated the event in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III, displaying exceptional skill in handling the challenging gravel stages while managing the vehicle's durability across long distances.

Route

Guangdong Province: The first stretch offered fast, sweeping gravel roads through the rolling hills, requiring high-speed control and precision.
Hunan Region: A technical section with narrow, twisting roads through mountainous terrain, which put the car’s suspension and handling to the test.
Hebei Province: A mix of gravel roads and rougher paths leading into the northern regions, with sections of higher altitude and challenging turns.

The rally covered an enormous distance from Hong Kong to Beijing, crossing through various landscapes and diverse conditions:

The event’s variety of gravel roads and changing conditions required constant attention to car setup and tire strategy, especially considering the long distances and the rally’s endurance nature.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Kenneth Eriksson & Staffan Parmander · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III
2nd Place
Juha Kankkunen & Nicky Grist · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
3rd Place
Colin McRae & Derek Ringer · Subaru Impreza 555

Eriksson’s consistency and ability to navigate the tough gravel stages gave him a commanding advantage, while Kankkunen and McRae chased hard but were unable to catch up to Eriksson’s steady pace.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Endurance: The long rally stages demanded mental and physical endurance, with the added challenge of maintaining focus for over 3,600 km of competitive driving.
  • Tire and Suspension Strategy: With so many kilometers of gravel roads, tire management and car setup were key to avoiding breakdowns or losses of pace during the rally.
  • Gravel and Dust: The ever-present dust from the gravel roads made visibility an issue in some stages, particularly on tight, winding paths.

The 1995 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally was a true test of rally endurance, and Eriksson’s flawless navigation and strategy allowed him to emerge victorious. His win in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III was a defining moment in the 1995 World Rally Championship season.

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