History Event 2000s

2001 Rally Finland (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2001 Rally Finland (Finland)

Date: August 24–26, 2001

Start Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

Finish Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

Total Distance: ~1,200 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: ~385 km

Surface: Gravel

The 2001 Rally Finland was another high-speed spectacle through the pine forests and crests of central Finland. Marcus Grönholm delivered a dominant home performance, flying over the rally’s iconic jumps and flowing corners with unmatched confidence to claim victory in front of thousands of passionate fans.

Route

Ouninpohja: Fastest stage of the rally, blind crests, long straights, and multiple airborne sections challenged drivers’ nerve and pace note trust.
Lankamaa: Smooth and wide, ideal for carrying momentum and rhythm through long gravel arcs.
Ruuhimäki: Famous for the final jump, required commitment to finish with flair and confidence.

Often called the “Grand Prix on Gravel,” Rally Finland is known for its wide roads, high-speed flow, and precision demands. Key stages included:

Weather was dry and favorable, allowing for some of the fastest stage times seen all season, with most top drivers averaging over 120 km/h.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 206 WRC
2nd Place
Richard Burns & Robert Reid · Subaru Impreza S7 WRC
3rd Place
Tommi Mäkinen & Risto Mannisenmäki · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI

Grönholm took control from the start and maintained a commanding pace, with Burns giving strong chase but falling short. Mäkinen brought home a popular third for Finland in what was likely his last competitive showing on home soil at peak form.

Car Highlights

  • Peugeot 206 WRC: Agile and planted, its short wheelbase and quick direction changes made it ideal for Finland’s flowing rhythm and crest landings.
  • Subaru Impreza S7 WRC: Strong high-speed stability, Burns maximized its grip and weight balance on long sections but couldn’t match Grönholm’s mid-corner rotation.
  • Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI: Reliable and fast, though nearing the end of its competitive lifecycle, still capable of podiums in the hands of Mäkinen.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Pace Note Precision: Finland’s speed meant co-drivers had no margin for error, rhythm and timing were crucial to maintain momentum over crests.
  • Jump Landings: The car’s ability to absorb impacts and stay balanced dictated confidence levels on airborne sequences.
  • Pressure to Perform: Grönholm carried the weight of expectation but thrived on it, his intimate knowledge of every meter of road gave him the edge.

Marcus Grönholm’s win in Finland cemented his place among the greats at home, a flawless display of control, bravery, and speed in one of rallying’s purest and fastest events.

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