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WHEN SUBARU MADE HISTORY ON CHINA TOUGHEST RALLY
Three decades have passed since Subaru achieved a remarkable 1-2-3 victory in the Hong Kong to Beijing Rally, a historic event held for the first time in six years. In the autumn of 1993, Ari Vatanen led his teammates Colin McRae and Possum Bourne in this grueling week-long rally, positioned as a candidate for inclusion in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship the following year. Vatanen’s triumph marked his first stage rally win since surviving a harrowing accident in Argentina eight years prior.
Sponsored by British American Tobacco’s 555 brand, the rally held particular significance for Subaru, known for its iconic blue-and-yellow colors. This made it a pivotal event for rival Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi. Despite Mitsubishi’s challenge led by Kenjiro Shinozuka in the Lancer Evo I, Subaru dominated, securing a 1-2-3 finish.
WHEN SUBARU MADE HISTORY ON CHINA TOUGHEST RALLY
WHEN SUBARU MADE HISTORY ON CHINA TOUGHEST RALLY
The rally covered a linear route of over 2000 miles, encompassing varied terrains reminiscent of the Acropolis Rally, Safari, and more. With roads ranging from loose gravel to mountainous paths, the event posed a logistical challenge, requiring teams to carry all necessities, including food, fuel, tires, and spares.
Despite electrical problems delaying Vatanen and McRae, the works Subarus surged to the front. The 1-2-3 lead was reestablished by the third leg, with Bourne leading McRae and Vatanen. Subaru orchestrated their positions to ensure Vatanen secured the win, celebrated with donuts in Tiananmen Square, though Chinese officials were displeased. McRae finished 25 seconds behind, with Bourne three minutes down.
The event joined the APRC in 1994, becoming second only to the WRC in profile. Subaru continued its success with a 1-2 finish led by Bourne. Mitsubishi bounced back in 1995, prioritizing the APRC over the WRC, securing a 1-2 finish with Eriksson and Vatanen. The Hong Kong-Beijing Rally concluded in 1996, with Vatanen winning for the second time. The event, along with the 1996 Safari, was a subject of an insightful interview with former Mitsubishi team manager Derek Dauncey. The Hong Kong to Beijing Rally, a city-to-city marathon rally, marked the end of an era in 1996, replaced by the more conventional China Rally in 1997.
WHEN SUBARU MADE HISTORY ON CHINA TOUGHEST RALLY
WHEN SUBARU MADE HISTORY ON CHINA TOUGHEST RALLY
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