Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III Gr. A Rally Australia 1996

In 1996, Tommi Mäkinen began his first full season with Mitsubishi in the WRC. From the outset, the “Flying Finn” established himself as the championship leader with back-to-back victories in the opening rounds. In Indonesia, both Mäkinen and his main rival, Colin McRae, were forced to retire, allowing Carlos Sainz to capitalize with a win and close in one the title race. Mäkinen, however, quickly regained momentum with a podium finish in Greece, followed by wins in Argentina and Finland. By the 1996 Rally Australia, the antepenultimate round of the season, Mäkinen had the chance to secure the championship title. He seized the moment, achieving a remarkable victory to claim the championship with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III Gr.A, while two rallies were still to be contested. This achievement marked a historic milestone for both Mäkinen and Mitsubishi.