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On this day in powersport history, Italian rally ace Miki Biasion secured victory in the 1990 Rally de Portugal, further cementing his dominance in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with Lancia. Driving the formidable Lancia Delta Integrale 16V, Biasion’s triumph on the fast and treacherous Portuguese gravel roads was a key moment in his bid to retain the WRC title.

A Masterclass in Control

Portugal’s rally stages were notoriously unpredictable, featuring a mix of loose gravel and dusty tarmac sections. The event was known for its passionate fans, many of whom lined the roads in massive numbers, creating an electric atmosphere. The challenge was heightened by rapidly changing weather conditions, which often turned dry roads into slippery mud baths.

Biasion, the reigning 1988 and 1989 WRC champion, was in top form, showcasing his supreme ability to balance speed and consistency. With co-driver Tiziano Siviero calling the pace notes, the Italian duo navigated the rally’s rough terrain with precision, fending off fierce competition from Toyota and Mitsubishi.

Lancia’s Continued Dominance

The victory marked another success for Lancia, which had become the benchmark in Group A rallying. The Lancia Delta Integrale 16V, introduced in late 1989, was an evolution of the already dominant Delta lineup. It featured improved aerodynamics, a more powerful turbocharged engine, and a revised suspension setup—making it the car to beat in the early ‘90s. 

Biasion’s win in Portugal contributed to Lancia’s continued reign in the WRC. The Italian marque took the top 5 positions at the event and would go on to clinch its fourth consecutive Manufacturers’ Championship that year, further asserting its legacy as one of rallying’s greatest brands. 

The Road to Another Title Fight

Though Biasion started the season strong, 1990 proved to be a fiercely contested year. His main rival, Carlos Sainz, emerged as a rising force in the Toyota Celica GT-Four, eventually winning the WRC Drivers' Championship—marking the first time a Spanish driver claimed the title. Nevertheless, Biasion’s win in Portugal remained a standout moment of the season, a testament to his skill and the enduring strength of Lancia’s rally program.

Legacy of the 1990 Portugal Rally

The 1990 edition of the Rally de Portugal was one of the last to feature the wild, uncontrolled crowds that made the event both legendary and controversial. By the mid-1990s, WRC organizers implemented stricter safety measures to reduce the risks posed by the thousands of fans who stood perilously close to the rally cars at high speeds.

Miki Biasion’s victory on March 10, 1990, remains a defining moment of his career, an example of his mastery on gravel and his contribution to Lancia’s golden era in rallying. Though his reign as WRC champion ended that year, his place among rally legends was already secure.

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