History 1990s

1996 Rally Australia (Australia)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1996 Rally Australia (Australia)

Date: September 6–8, 1996

Start Location: Perth, Australia

Finish Location: Perth, Australia

Total Distance: 386.31 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1996 Rally Australia took place across the unforgiving Australian gravel roads, where Kenneth Eriksson and Staffan Parmander dominated the competition in their Subaru Impreza 555. The rally offered a mix of fast gravel roads, with stages that required not only speed but also exceptional vehicle handling. Eriksson’s consistency in the challenging terrain allowed him to secure the win despite fierce competition from other top drivers.

Route

Perth–Kalamunda: A fast section with wide gravel roads, requiring both high-speed control and constant tire management.
Gnangara–Wanneroo: A more technical stage, with tight corners and narrow paths through forests, demanding precise handling and good navigation.
Karri Forest Stage: The longest stage, featuring technical corners, rough roads, and multiple river crossings that tested both endurance and concentration.

The 1996 Rally Australia route included a mix of long gravel stages that tested both speed and endurance. Here are some key sections of the rally:

The gravel conditions required constant attention to tire wear and car handling, especially on the rough, uneven roads that made up a large portion of the event’s stages.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Kenneth Eriksson & Staffan Parmander · Subaru Impreza 555
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
3rd Place
Tommi Mäkinen & Seppo Harjanne · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III

Eriksson’s smooth and consistent driving helped him navigate the tough Australian stages, while Sainz and Mäkinen, both in strong-performing cars, were unable to overcome the lead that Eriksson had built over the course of the rally.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Gravel Control: The long gravel stages required constant car control, with the rough terrain demanding fast reactions to avoid mistakes.
  • Tire Strategy: With the challenging road conditions, tire wear was a key factor. The drivers had to carefully manage their tire usage to avoid losing time due to excessive wear.
  • Driver Stamina: The grueling nature of the rally meant that the drivers needed to maintain concentration and focus across long stages with minimal rest.

The 1996 Rally Australia was a memorable event, showcasing the strength of the Subaru Impreza 555 in the hands of Eriksson. His steady pace and excellent tire management allowed him to win the rally and extend his lead in the championship.

← Previous Event 1996 Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)
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