The 1987 World Rally Championship represented a significant shift in the landscape of rallying, marking its 15th season under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). With a total of 13 rallies, this season included familiar venues, but notable changes were made, including the relocation of the Olympus Rally from December to June. This altered calendar set the stage for a dramatic evolution in the sport.
This year was particularly momentous as it marked the end of the thrilling Group B era that had captured the imagination of fans and competitors alike. Henceforth, Group A cars took the spotlight, heralding a new chapter in rally history. "We had to adapt quickly to the new rules and vehicles, but it was an exciting time for all of us," said Miki Biasion, one of the prominent drivers of the season.
The FIA introduced new championship formats not only for drivers and manufacturers but also for production and two-wheel drive cars. These changes were crucial for the integrity and competitiveness of the championship. Group A vehicles would remain at the core of this competition for the following decade until the introduction of the World Rally Car specification in 1997. Additionally, the FIA tweaked the scoring system for manufacturers, keeping two rallies off the official points tally, specifically focusing on the drivers’ championship in select events such as New Zealand and the Ivory Coast.
Leading the charge in these newly regulated times was the Martini Lancia team. The squad successfully adapted to the lower-powered cars, showcasing their prowess with the Lancia Delta HF 4WD. Drivers Juha Kankkunen, Markku Alén, and Biasion combined their efforts, securing an impressive nine rally victories throughout the season. "It was about teamwork and adapting to what we had, and we did it successfully," Kankkunen noted, highlighting the synergy within the team.
In contrast, Audi Sport, which had enjoyed unparalleled success during the era of Group B, faced challenges adjusting to the new dynamics. Despite retaining their star drivers, Hannu Mikkola and Walter Röhrl, their standings suffered as they could not replicate the glory of their former campaign. Nevertheless, Audi benefited from other competitors backing their Quattro system; for instance, Per Eklund of Clarion Team Europe contributed 26 points, while Georg Fischer from Mig Linz added another eight. "It was a learning year for us, and we still managed to secure valuable points," said a representative from Audi.
The Philips Renault Elf team found the transition particularly difficult, fielding the Renault 11 Turbo. With drivers Jean Ragnotti and François Chatriot at the helm, their standout moment came with Ragnotti's impressive second-place finish in Portugal, though overall success was sparse throughout the season. “We tried our best, but it was tough going against the likes of Lancia,” Chatriot remarked.
On the other hand, Volkswagen Motorsport aimed to build on their previous success with Kenneth Eriksson, the 1986 Group A champion. Despite missing a significant second driver, Eriksson held his ground, finishing fourth overall. Yet, it was clear that the Volkswagen team was eclipsed by Lancia, Audi, and Renault in the manufacturer standings. "We had a solid season, but definitely need to work on our team dynamic for next year," Eriksson commented.
Ford Motor Company made a notable return to the fold with drivers Ari Vatanen and Stig Blomqvist. Their early runs in the Sierra XR 4x4 were disappointing, prompting a change to the redesigned Sierra RS Cosworth towards the season's end. This new vehicle showed promise and was effectively challenging the dominant Lancia machines in the concluding events. Vatanen expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The new Sierra felt much better, and we’re looking forward to building on that success next season."
The 1987 World Rally Championship certainly served as a watershed moment, reshaping the future structure of rally racing under Group A regulations. As teams and drivers began to embrace these changes, the journey ahead promised both challenges and exciting developments across the following seasons. The blend of innovation, strategy, and fierce competition would set the groundwork for a lasting legacy in the world of motorsport.
