History 2000s

2000 Cyprus Rally (Cyprus)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2000 Cyprus Rally (Cyprus)

Date: September 8–10, 2000

Start Location: Limassol, Cyprus

Finish Location: Limassol, Cyprus

Total Distance: ~1,100 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 348.41 km

Surface: Gravel

The 2000 Cyprus Rally was one of the slowest and roughest on the WRC calendar, with tight, winding mountain tracks and searing Mediterranean heat. Carlos Sainz showed his class and composure on the technical terrain, using patience and mechanical sympathy to outlast rivals and bring home a valuable victory for Ford in the unforgiving conditions.

Route

Lagoudera: Tight switchbacks and climbing sections that tested torque and traction control under heat stress.
Foini: Rough and rutted — heavily degraded after first passes, with sharp rocks and dust traps everywhere.
Koilani: A mix of wider sections and technical corners — favored drivers who could adapt to changing grip levels.

Centered in the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus featured narrow gravel tracks with minimal runoff and frequent elevation changes. Key stages included:

The combination of high temperatures, sharp rocks, and long liaison sections made it a true test of survival as much as speed.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Focus WRC
2nd Place
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Ford Focus WRC
3rd Place
Richard Burns & Robert Reid · Subaru Impreza S6 WRC

Sainz drove intelligently, preserving his car and tires while others pushed too hard and paid the price. McRae backed off late in the rally to secure a Ford 1–2, while Burns completed the podium after consistent pace and careful tire management.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Low Average Speeds: With many stages under 70 km/h average, concentration and note timing were more important than outright pace.
  • Rough Terrain: Suspension and tire damage were common — smart lines and mechanical sympathy separated contenders from casualties.
  • Heat Management: Cockpit and engine temps soared — driver hydration and cooling strategies were crucial.

Carlos Sainz’s triumph in Cyprus was a masterclass in strategic rallying — less about raw speed, more about patience, control, and experience when the conditions turned brutal.

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