History 1990s

1999 Rally Australia (Australia)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1999 Rally Australia (Australia)

Date: September 3–5, 1999

Start Location: Perth, Australia

Finish Location: Perth, Australia

Total Distance: ~1,335 km (full route)

Competitive Stages: 386.00 km

Surface: Gravel

The 1999 Rally Australia delivered fast-paced gravel action on the ball-bearing roads of Western Australia. Richard Burns, driving the Subaru Impreza WRC99, handled the treacherous surface with total control to take a critical victory. The British driver’s measured aggression and smart tire strategy proved decisive, giving Subaru a key win and keeping the championship momentum alive.

Route

Helena South: Fast, tree-lined gravel with low grip and cambered corners that tested commitment and line precision.
Beraking: Long and flowing, with deceptive braking zones and surface variation from smooth gravel to hardpack.
Langley Park Super Special: A fan-friendly city-center stage in downtown Perth providing a unique contrast to the forest roads.

The rally featured a mix of narrow forestry tracks and wider flowing roads, often lined tightly with trees. Notable stages included:

The loose surface of Rally Australia’s roads demanded careful tire selection and clean driving lines — mistakes were punished by loss of traction and time in the deep marbles.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Richard Burns & Robert Reid · Subaru Impreza WRC99
2nd Place
Tommi Mäkinen & Risto Mannisenmäki · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Corolla WRC

Burns’s victory was built on surgical precision through the forests and a well-managed car setup. Mäkinen stayed close but couldn’t find the extra pace needed to challenge for the win, while Sainz delivered another consistent performance for Toyota.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Loose Gravel: The infamous ball-bearing surface made grip unpredictable and demanded exact car placement on the cleaner racing line.
  • Tight Margins: Tree-lined stages left no room for error — one missed braking point often meant retirement.
  • Heat and Dust: Australian spring weather dried out stages quickly, creating heavy dust clouds that hindered visibility for following cars.

Burns’s win in Australia was a defining moment in the 1999 season, proving his championship credentials and giving Subaru vital momentum heading into the season’s final rounds.

← Previous Event 1999 Rallye Sanremo – Rallye d’Italia (Italy)
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