The Tour de Corse provides not only spectacular scenery but some of the most dangerous stages for the World Championship rally teams to challenge. Round 5 of the '89 World series saw the works teams battling on the Mediterranean island. BMW's two wheel drive M3 model was expected to shine on Corsica's predominantly tarmac stages with Francois Chatriot, and the Belgian ace Marc Duez. The Lancia Delta Integrales were still favourites with Didier Auriol and Yves Loubet. Former World Champion, Juha Kankkunen was on duty alongside Spaniard Carlos Sainz in the works Toyota Celica Turbos. The Corsican Rally provided one of the most spectacular rally events of 1989.