History 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.

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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