History 2000s

2002 Cyprus Rally (Cyprus)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2002 Cyprus Rally (Cyprus)

Date: June 28–30, 2002

Start Location: Limassol, Cyprus

Finish Location: Limassol, Cyprus

Total Distance: ~1,050 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: ~326 km

Surface: Gravel (rocky and slow)

The 2002 Cyprus Rally tested drivers with some of the roughest and most technical terrain of the WRC calendar. With narrow mountain tracks, searing heat, and car-breaking surfaces, it became a rally of survival. Marcus Grönholm’s calm and calculated drive earned him a valuable win and demonstrated his maturing rally IQ under pressure.

Route

Foini: Rocky, tight, and shaded — required traction control and constant steering corrections.
Lagoudera: Long and undulating — the surface alternated between hardpack and loose rock.
Koilani: Narrow and technical — ideal for agile cars but hard on tires and brakes.

The rally navigated the sunbaked Troodos Mountains, where stages were often first-gear affairs through boulder-strewn paths. Notable stages included:

Temperatures hovered near 40°C, while the terrain demanded mechanical sympathy, careful tire management, and perfect pace note timing.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 206 WRC
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Focus RS WRC
3rd Place
Petter Solberg & Phil Mills · Subaru Impreza WRC

Grönholm built a comfortable lead early and carefully managed it through the roughest loops. Sainz’s measured approach earned him second, while Solberg overcame early setbacks to secure a well-earned podium on one of the toughest rallies of the year.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Heat and Fatigue: Cabins became ovens — hydration, tire preservation, and driver stamina were mission-critical.
  • Rocky Trails: Edges littered with tire-shredding stones — even one misstep could end a rally.
  • Slow-Speed Rhythm: Maintaining focus at low speed on repetitive terrain required precision and psychological endurance.

Marcus Grönholm’s win in Cyprus showcased not just speed, but smart, patient rallying — proving once again why he was the man to beat in 2002.

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