History 1990s

1996 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1996 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Date: March 5–8, 1996

Start Location: Porto, Portugal

Finish Location: Porto, Portugal

Total Distance: 351.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel/Tarmac

The 1996 Rallye de Portugal was a captivating contest, featuring a mix of gravel and tarmac stages that challenged competitors to manage car setup and tire strategies. Tommi Mäkinen, alongside co-driver Seppo Harjanne, won the rally in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III, dominating the mixed surfaces with fast, consistent driving and tactical mastery. Their performance was a testament to both their skill and the capability of the Evo III on varied road conditions.

Route

Porto–Vila Real: The opening stages featured fast, flowing gravel roads with tight corners, demanding high-speed control and cornering precision.
Braga–Fafe: A mix of smooth tarmac and rough gravel, testing suspension durability and braking precision, especially on the downhill sections.
Serra da Estrela: The longest stage, combining gravel roads with long straights and tight corners, requiring both power and careful cornering.

The rally route covered a combination of fast gravel and technical tarmac stages, with some sections requiring perfect tire management and quick reflexes:

The rally conditions were dry, which favored fast driving but also made tire management crucial as the rough gravel roads caused significant wear over time.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Tommi Mäkinen & Seppo Harjanne · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III
2nd Place
Didier Auriol & Bernard Occelli · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Subaru Impreza 555

Mäkinen’s careful tire management and precise cornering allowed him to extend his lead throughout the rally. Auriol and Sainz both showed strong performances but couldn’t close the gap in the later stages, ultimately finishing behind Mäkinen.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Gravel Control: The gravel sections were challenging, requiring precise car handling and speed management to avoid losing control.
  • Braking and Cornering: The technical stages with sharp corners tested braking precision and tire grip, with minimal room for error.
  • Weather and Tire Management: While dry conditions favored fast driving, tire wear was a key factor, and teams had to make tire changes and adjustments based on stage conditions.

The 1996 Rallye de Portugal was a thrilling demonstration of endurance and driving precision, with Mäkinen’s win marking another milestone in his rise to the top of the World Rally Championship standings.

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