History 2000s

2002 International Swedish Rally (Sweden)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2002 International Swedish Rally (Sweden)

Date: February 1–3, 2002

Start Location: Karlstad, Sweden

Finish Location: Karlstad, Sweden

Total Distance: ~1,400 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: ~381 km

Surface: Snow

The Swedish Rally is one of the purest winter events in motorsport, and in 2002 it delivered perfect snow conditions for high-speed action through Värmland’s icy forests. Marcus Grönholm used his Scandinavian edge to full effect, combining bravery and precision to take an authoritative win for Peugeot in his favored conditions.

Route

Hagfors: A classic Swedish test — wide, flowing, and perfectly suited to high-speed studded tire attacks.
Fredriksberg: Tighter and twistier — required careful throttle modulation and weight transfer to maintain flow.
Torsby: Narrower and lined with deep snowbanks — punished hesitation but rewarded aggressive lines.

Held on fast snow-covered roads lined by snowbanks and trees, the Swedish Rally rewards confidence and commitment. Key stages included:

Temperatures remained consistently cold, maintaining the snowbanks and allowing ideal grip with studded tires throughout the weekend.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 206 WRC
2nd Place
Harri Rovanperä & Risto Pietiläinen · Peugeot 206 WRC
3rd Place
Petter Solberg & Phil Mills · Subaru Impreza WRC

Grönholm controlled the rally from the opening day, with teammate Rovanperä trailing close behind to secure a Peugeot 1–2. Solberg delivered a strong showing to round out the podium in what was becoming a breakthrough season for the young Norwegian.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Studded Tire Tactics: With ideal snow, maximizing grip without overheating studs was key to maintaining pace.
  • Snowbank Braking: Leaning into banks allowed later braking — but leaning too far could end a rally instantly.
  • Visibility and Rhythm: Frosted windscreens and long shadows in forest stages tested both focus and co-driver timing.

Grönholm’s victory in Sweden reinforced his mastery of winter conditions and proved Peugeot’s 206 WRC remained the car to beat on snow-covered ground.

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