History 1990s

1999 Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1999 Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Date: May 8–11, 1999

Start Location: Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina

Finish Location: Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina

Total Distance: ~1,210 km (full route)

Competitive Stages: 378.00 km

Surface: Gravel

The 1999 Rally Argentina brought classic South American rallying drama: water crossings, altitude shifts, and brutal rocky tracks. Didier Auriol, better known for his prowess on asphalt, drove flawlessly across the demanding gravel roads of Córdoba province to claim an unexpected but well-earned win in the Toyota Corolla WRC. His victory came through a mix of pace, preservation, and perfect tire choices in the unpredictable conditions.

Route

El Condor–Copina: High-altitude rough roads with fog, low grip, and extreme tire wear.
Santa Rosa–San Agustín: Fast gravel tracks punctuated by deep fords and rocky straights.
Mina Clavero: Narrow, twisting mountain routes with steep drops and sudden surface changes.

The stages were based around Villa Carlos Paz, featuring a variety of rugged and narrow tracks through mountain ranges and valleys. Key sections included:

The stages pushed suspension and tire durability to their limits, with many crews retiring due to mechanical failures or punctures in the abrasive terrain.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Didier Auriol & Denis Giraudet · Toyota Corolla WRC
2nd Place
Richard Burns & Robert Reid · Subaru Impreza WRC99
3rd Place
Tommi Mäkinen & Risto Mannisenmäki · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI

Auriol’s steady hand and tactical driving gave Toyota another valuable win, while Burns and Mäkinen both suffered from minor setbacks that allowed Auriol to control the lead in the final stages.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Water Crossings: Several deep fords risked engine damage and required precise throttle control to avoid flooding.
  • Altitude Changes: Thin air in mountain stages reduced engine power and affected handling dynamics.
  • Rough Terrain: Rocks, dips, and washouts punished aggressive setups and caught out many top drivers with punctures or suspension damage.

Auriol’s win in Argentina was one of the most complete performances of his later WRC career — clean, clever, and composed — earning Toyota a critical boost in both championships.

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