History 2000s

2002 Rallye Deutschland (Germany)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2002 Rallye Deutschland (Germany)

Date: August 23–25, 2002

Start Location: Trier, Germany

Finish Location: Trier, Germany

Total Distance: ~1,180 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 415.57 km

Surface: Asphalt (vineyards, military tank roads, urban)

The 2002 Rallye Deutschland marked a turning point in WRC history as Sébastien Loeb captured his first career victory. On Germany’s notoriously tricky tarmac, with constantly changing grip and complex road types, Loeb showed flawless pace and composure across all legs to secure a historic and dominant win in the Citroën Xsara WRC.

Route

Mosel Vineyards: Tight and winding — bordered by stone walls and sharp drop-offs. Braking precision was vital.
Panzerplatte: Based on Baumholder military terrain — wide concrete roads lined with hinkelsteins (tank barriers), featuring aggressive surface changes and brutal corner entries.
St. Wendeler Land: Mixed fast and medium-speed corners through countryside lanes — rewarded consistency and clean lines.

Germany’s asphalt challenge is one of the most varied in the WRC, combining narrow vineyard tracks, abrasive military roads, and smooth urban sections. Key stages included:

Rain showers across the weekend added further unpredictability, but Loeb and Elena adapted flawlessly to every changing surface and condition.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
2nd Place
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3rd Place
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Loeb delivered a near-flawless drive, leading from early stages and resisting pressure from seasoned tarmac rivals. His composure under pressure and unmatched consistency gave Citroën their first WRC victory with the Xsara WRC — the start of a new era in rallying.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mixed Surfaces: Each loop featured dramatic grip changes — Elena’s pacenotes and Loeb’s adaptability were key to every success.
  • Tank Barriers: Hinkelsteins punished the smallest error — many rivals crashed or lost time with minor off-lines.
  • Weather Fluctuations: Light rain and dry patches challenged tire choices and rhythm — Loeb chose wisely each time.

Loeb’s victory in Germany wasn’t just a personal breakthrough — it signaled the arrival of a future champion and launched one of the most dominant eras in WRC history. From the vineyards of Trier to the concrete slabs of Panzerplatte, the road to greatness began here.

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