History 2000s

2002 Rallye Sanremo (Italy)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2002 Rallye Sanremo (Italy)

Date: September 19–22, 2002

Start Location: Sanremo, Italy

Finish Location: Sanremo, Italy

Total Distance: ~1,000 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: ~344 km

Surface: Asphalt

Returning to its all-asphalt format, the 2002 Rallye Sanremo delivered the ultimate test of precision and braking on Italy’s mountain roads. Gilles Panizzi reaffirmed his status as Peugeot’s tarmac ace, leading from the outset and delivering a commanding performance to take victory on one of his favorite events.

Route

Colle d’Oggia: A demanding uphill stretch — technical and narrow, requiring supreme braking control and traction exit.
Bajardo: Classic flowing tarmac — a rhythm stage that punished early apexes and poor exits.
Perinaldo: Hairpin-heavy and tight — a driver’s stage where commitment met finesse on every corner.

Sanremo’s stages twist through Ligurian hills with tight hairpins, rapid elevation changes, and unforgiving barriers. Key stages included:

Weather remained stable and dry, allowing for maximum performance on slick compounds across the weekend.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Gilles Panizzi & Hervé Panizzi · Peugeot 206 WRC
2nd Place
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
3rd Place
Petter Solberg & Phil Mills · Subaru Impreza WRC

Panizzi controlled the pace from the very first stage, resisting a strong charge from Loeb, who continued to shine on tarmac. Solberg, better known for gravel prowess, impressed with his pace and discipline to claim a rare asphalt podium.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Tight Sequences: Rapid-fire hairpins demanded perfect pace note timing and rotation technique to avoid rhythm loss.
  • Brake Management: Repeated downhill braking zones made fade a serious threat — Panizzi’s left-foot braking style helped maintain control.
  • Pressure and Expectation: As Peugeot’s tarmac specialist, Panizzi delivered under pressure — dominating from start to finish with confidence.

The 2002 Rallye Sanremo win cemented Gilles Panizzi’s status as the asphalt master of his generation — a surgical performance on roads that demanded nothing less.

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