History 1990s

1999 International Swedish Rally (Sweden)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1999 International Swedish Rally (Sweden)

Date: February 12–14, 1999

Start Location: Karlstad, Sweden

Finish Location: Karlstad, Sweden

Total Distance: ~1,752 km (full route)

Competitive Stages: 408.10 km

Surface: Snow/Ice

The 1999 Swedish Rally was once again a showcase of Nordic rallying tradition — fast snow-covered roads, frozen lakes, and icy corners lined by snowbanks. Tommi Mäkinen, the reigning champion, delivered a commanding performance to secure his third consecutive Swedish Rally victory. His precise driving and confidence on snow-packed stages demonstrated why he was considered nearly untouchable in winter conditions.

Route

Vargåsen: Home of Colin’s Crest, this iconic jump and high-speed section tested car balance and driver courage.
Likenäs: Long and flowing with packed snow, requiring confidence to lean into snowbanks at speed.
Rämmen: Tight and twisty with subtle elevation changes, perfect for clean, rhythmic driving styles.

Based in the Värmland region, the stages were a mix of high-speed straights and technical sections through frozen forests:

Studded tires provided exceptional grip on the icy surface, allowing speeds rivaling gravel rallies — but with higher consequences for mistakes in slippery braking zones.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Tommi Mäkinen & Risto Mannisenmäki · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI
2nd Place
Thomas Rådström & Jocke Johansson · Toyota Corolla WRC
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Corolla WRC

Mäkinen’s dominance was clear, while local hero Rådström impressed with his pace, narrowly holding off Sainz in a tight fight for second on home soil.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Snowbank Tactics: Drivers routinely used snowbanks to help rotate their cars — but leaning too hard risked getting stuck or damaging aero parts.
  • Stud Management: Keeping tire studs intact was key — aggressive lines or locking brakes could rip them out and destroy grip levels.
  • Low Temperatures: Frigid conditions tested both mechanical components and driver endurance, with cockpit visibility and defrosting systems critical.

The 1999 Swedish Rally was a winter masterclass from Tommi Mäkinen and Mitsubishi. His precise control, unmatched confidence on snow, and consistency across long stages secured yet another vital victory in his title campaign.

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