The 1989 Monte-Carlo Rally promised to be one of the most competitive ever, with the mighty Lancia team facing renewed challenges from Japanese giants Toyota, Mazda and Mitsubishi. Tragically, the event will also be remembered for the appalling spectator problems and the deaths of two rally drivers.
World Champion Miki Biasion was joined by Bruno Saby and Didier Auriol in the works Lancia Deltas, while Juha Kankkunen led the Toyota Celica GT-4 charge and Timo Salonen and Hannu Mikkola continued with Mazda.
While Toyota's new recruit Carlos Sainz and Ari Vatanen in the relatively untried Mitsubishi would prove to be sensations, the headlines were dominated by tragedy, when Alex Fiorio crashed into spectators twice, killing two.
Terrible crowd problems would overshadow the entire event, including the incredible battle between Biasion and new teammate Auriol which raged until the end. Toyota's bid was dented early by tyre problems while heroic drives from Vatanen and Sainz ended in car-wrecking crashes.
Incredible camera angles capture breathtaking action in this highlights programme, while informed commentary and interviews take you behind the scenes of the controversial 1989 Monte-Carlo Rally. |