History 1990s

1996 Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1996 Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)

Date: July 11–14, 1996

Start Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Finish Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Total Distance: 345.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1996 Rally New Zealand provided high-speed gravel action across the North Island’s scenic forest roads. Colin McRae, in his Subaru Impreza 555, delivered a dominant performance to secure the win, with his impeccable pace and control in the fast and flowing stages of the rally. His performance was a testament to his skill and the power of the Subaru on the challenging gravel roads.

Route

Whangarei Stage: A fast, flowing gravel section with a mix of high-speed corners and tricky hairpins that tested both grip and car control.
Rotorua Stage: A stage featuring tight corners and technical gravel roads, where precise navigation and tire management were crucial.
Waipu Stage: A long, high-speed stage that pushed the vehicles to their limits, with the drivers needing to maintain rhythm and control over rough gravel roads.

The rally route traversed New Zealand’s famous gravel roads, with long, fast sections and narrow, tight corners that tested drivers’ skill and endurance:

The dry conditions throughout the event allowed for consistent tire performance, but managing tire wear and car handling was essential for success on the rough gravel stages.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Derek Ringer · Subaru Impreza 555
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
3rd Place
Didier Auriol & Bernard Occelli · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD

McRae’s steady performance across the fast gravel stages allowed him to extend his lead and secure the win. Sainz and Auriol showed great speed but couldn’t match McRae’s consistency and car control in the rougher sections.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Gravel Roads: The rally’s gravel roads were fast and technical, requiring precise car handling and constant focus to stay competitive.
  • Suspension Durability: The rough gravel sections took a toll on the vehicles, making suspension durability and tire management crucial for success.
  • Driver Stamina: The long stages and demanding terrain required mental and physical endurance, with drivers needing to maintain focus for extended periods to avoid costly mistakes.

The 1996 Rally New Zealand was a perfect example of skillful driving and car control, with McRae’s victory cementing his position as one of the top drivers of the season. His performance on the gravel roads of New Zealand was a demonstration of his technical mastery and endurance.

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