History 2000s

2002 Propecia Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2002 Propecia Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)

Date: October 4–6, 2002

Start Location: Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand

Finish Location: Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand

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

Competitive Stages: 411.40 km

Surface: Gravel (fast, cambered)

Rally New Zealand's iconic gravel roads — wide, smooth, and naturally cambered — set the stage for one of the fastest and most flowing events on the WRC calendar. Marcus Grönholm and Timo Rautiainen took full advantage of the conditions, executing a near-flawless performance in the Peugeot 206 WRC to claim their fourth win of the season and extend their championship lead.

Route

Te Akau South: A flowing, high-speed section through farmland with long apexes and sweeping bends.
Possum: Named after the late Possum Bourne — narrow and twisty, requiring extra precision and traction awareness.
Whaanga Coast: One of the rally’s signature stages — fast with technical blind crests and slippery coastal dust.

The North Island's roads offered perfect rally conditions: fast corners, subtle elevation changes, and stunning countryside scenery. Key stages included:

Cool, dry spring conditions allowed teams to push hard without excessive tire wear, and Grönholm capitalized with his signature fast and tidy gravel driving style.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 206 WRC
2nd Place
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3rd Place
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Grönholm built an early lead and never looked back. His closest rivals, including Richard Burns and Carlos Sainz, simply couldn't match his consistency or pace on New Zealand’s terrain. The win was another demonstration of Peugeot’s gravel prowess and Grönholm’s elite form in 2002.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Cambered Corners: Taking optimal lines and committing to blind curves was critical — Grönholm excelled here.
  • Dust Trails: Running order was key — clear visibility meant more confidence and tighter braking zones.
  • High-Speed Rhythm: Maintaining focus at over 120 km/h average speeds for multiple stages tested both driver and co-driver.

The 2002 Rally New Zealand win cemented Marcus Grönholm's dominance on gravel and played a pivotal role in his pursuit of a second WRC title, highlighting the unmatched synergy between driver, co-driver, and the exceptional Peugeot 206 WRC.

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