The Italian Lancia and the French Peugeot teams came to the renowned 1000 Lakes Rally hotly disputing the manufacturers' title, with Markku Alen matched against Timo Salonen. Peugeot, however, had another ace in the pack in the shape of 27 year-old rising local star Juha Kankkunen, who was looking extremely good for the drivers' championship. This video captures in enthralling fashion the red-hot battle through the Finnish forests, with their huge ‘yumps’ and flat-out straights.

Always a rally to set the pulses racing, Alen had the Lancia Delta running at its best and his ability to control the S4 at seemingly impossible speeds and angles will amaze the viewer. Supporting him would be Kalle Grundel, specially released from his Ford RS200 commitments and pushing hard on his home territory. Again though, Peugeot were taking no chances by fielding the experienced Stig Blomqvist, also no stranger to the 1000 Lakes.

The action proved irresistible, and the cameras cover 27 stages catching many thrilling performances as the championship season reached a crucial point. The short service stops also provided their fair share of the drama as the embattled cars were miraculously repaired and sent on their way by the expert mechanics.