History 1990s

1998 Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1998 Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Date: July 10–12, 1998

Start Location: Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina

Finish Location: Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina

Total Distance: ~1,042 km (full route)

Competitive Stages: 252.00 km

Surface: Gravel

The 1998 Rally Argentina was defined by its water crossings, high-altitude mountain stages, and demanding gravel roads. With constantly shifting conditions — from dry dust to flooded fords — the rally rewarded precision and resilience. Tommi Mäkinen and co-driver Risto Mannisenmäki expertly navigated the varied terrain, fending off pressure from their closest rivals to notch another key win for Mitsubishi in their Evo V platform.

Route

El Condor–Copina: High-altitude mountain pass with rough stone surfaces and narrow cliffside paths.
Santa Rosa–San Agustín: Fast-flowing gravel with deep water splashes and variable grip.
Mina Clavero: Twisting switchbacks and tight descents that tested brake endurance and chassis balance.

Set in the Sierras de Córdoba, the rally featured a mix of altitude changes, splash zones, and stone-strewn tracks. Key stages included:

The combination of technical corners and high-speed straights placed emphasis on suspension travel, differential tuning, and water protection systems.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Tommi Mäkinen & Risto Mannisenmäki · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Corolla WRC
3rd Place
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Subaru Impreza WRC98

Mäkinen’s strength over rough ground and mechanical sympathy allowed him to build a lead early and maintain it, despite fierce competition and several stage hazards that caught out others.

Navigation & Challenges

  • River Crossings: Some fords reached axle height, forcing teams to manage water entry risks and avoid hydro-lock or ECU failure.
  • Altitude Effects: High-elevation stages taxed both engines and drivers, reducing power output and concentration levels.
  • Surface Abrasion: The rocky terrain caused high tire wear and potential punctures — precision was key to survival.

The 1998 Rally Argentina tested durability, car setup, and bravery. Tommi Mäkinen’s win was a reflection of well-judged aggression and an Evo V platform designed to thrive in chaos.

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