History 1990s

1999 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1999 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Date: March 21–24, 1999

Start Location: Figueira da Foz, Portugal

Finish Location: Figueira da Foz, Portugal

Total Distance: ~1,435 km (full route)

Competitive Stages: 385.76 km

Surface: Gravel

The 1999 Rallye de Portugal challenged drivers with its classic blend of abrasive gravel, slick corners, and unpredictable weather. Didier Auriol, known for his precise pace and strategic tire management, guided his Toyota Corolla WRC to a clean and calculated victory. With competitors falling victim to punctures, slippery ruts, and changing grip levels, Auriol’s veteran experience shone through across the rugged Portuguese countryside.

Route

Arganil: Long, technical gravel with narrow tracks and notorious for fog and tire wear.
Lousã: High-speed hardpack with slippery patches and exposed rock, requiring perfect lines.
Mortágua: Flowing rhythm stages where balance and traction setup were critical.

The rally took place in the central and northern regions of Portugal, using a variety of stage profiles and surfaces. Key sections included:

As rain rolled through various stages, conditions alternated rapidly between grippy and treacherously slick, catching many drivers off guard and influencing tire strategy throughout the rally.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Didier Auriol & Denis Giraudet · Toyota Corolla WRC
2nd Place
Tommi Mäkinen & Risto Mannisenmäki · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI
3rd Place
Juha Kankkunen & Juha Repo · Subaru Impreza WRC99

Auriol’s calm and steady approach allowed him to build and defend a lead while others faltered in the changing surface conditions, securing a vital win for Toyota early in the 1999 season.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Grip Variation: Stages alternated between damp forest paths and dry dusty climbs, often within the same loop — making tire compound choice crucial.
  • Visibility: Fog in Arganil and rain-soaked windows reduced visibility in key early-morning runs, amplifying co-driver importance.
  • Car Preservation: Drivers had to balance speed with caution, avoiding sharp rocks and ruts that cost many crews valuable time or retirement.

The 1999 Rallye de Portugal was a rally of survival, strategy, and steady nerves. Didier Auriol’s textbook performance secured a second win for Toyota that season and kept his title challenge alive heading into spring.

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