History 1990s

1997 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1997 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Date: March 7–10, 1997

Start Location: Figueira da Foz, Portugal

Finish Location: Figueira da Foz, Portugal

Total Distance: 351.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel/Tarmac

The 1997 Rallye de Portugal was a true test of versatility, with a combination of rough gravel tracks and smoother tarmac roads. Known for its changeable weather and massive crowds lining the stages, the event delivered high drama and quick surface transitions. Tommi Mäkinen, debuting the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV in the WRC, put in a powerful and consistent drive to secure his first win of the season.

Route

Arganil: A historic gravel stage known for fog, dust, and deep ruts, making visibility and tire wear major concerns.
Lousã Mountains: Twisting gravel climbs and descents with loose rock surfaces and tight switchbacks.
Figueira da Foz super special: A fan-focused stage on mixed surface, showcasing cars head-to-head in a stadium-style format.

Set across central Portugal, the rally included both fast gravel and partial tarmac stages, with key routes like:

The variable weather — shifting from rain to sunshine — made tire and suspension setups critical, with teams often forced to compromise between stage types.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Tommi Mäkinen & Seppo Harjanne · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV
2nd Place
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Subaru Impreza WRC97
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Escort WRC

Mäkinen’s composed drive gave Mitsubishi its first win with the Evo IV, while McRae and Sainz fought hard in changing conditions but couldn’t match Mäkinen’s pace on gravel.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mixed Surface Transitions: Stages frequently shifted between gravel and tarmac, demanding adaptable car setup and mental focus.
  • Fan Crowds: Large, enthusiastic crowds lined the stages, sometimes close to the road, raising safety and visibility concerns.
  • Changing Grip Levels: Morning fog and rain made the stages unpredictable, with mud and dry lines appearing within the same stage.

The 1997 Rallye de Portugal emphasized driver adaptability and engineering precision, with Mäkinen’s performance setting the pace for the rest of the season.

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