History 2000s

2003 YPF Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2003 YPF Rally Argentina (Argentina)

Date: May 8–11, 2003

Start Location: Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba, Argentina

Finish Location: Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba, Argentina

Total Distance: ~1,260 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 402.35 km

Surface: Gravel (rough, technical, water crossings)

The demanding roads of Córdoba played host to one of the most grueling rallies of the season. Marcus Grönholm once again showed his gravel expertise by dominating the technical Argentine terrain, which featured dramatic elevation changes, water crossings, and unpredictable surfaces. His Peugeot 206 WRC handled the punishing conditions with composure and strength, earning him back-to-back wins in South America.

Route

El Condor–Copina: Narrow and mist-covered, with rough stone surfaces and cliffs — one of the WRC’s most iconic and feared tests.
Giulio Cesare: A steep climb full of twisty, rocky roads — punishing on suspension and tires alike.
Piedras Blancas: A faster, flowing stage with fords and water crossings — balancing pace with caution was crucial.

Rally Argentina is known for its dramatic terrain variety and fan-packed mountain passes. Key stages included:

Weather changes and varying grip across loops required crews to stay flexible in setup and tire strategy — mistakes here often ended in retirements.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 206 WRC
2nd Place
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3rd Place
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Grönholm set the pace early and extended his lead with clean, decisive driving. Despite challenges from Carlos Sainz and Petter Solberg, he remained in control throughout the rally, capitalizing on their mistakes and mechanical issues to claim his third win of the 2003 season.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Water Fords: Numerous river crossings required reduced pace and perfect timing to avoid hydroplaning and engine stall.
  • Altitude and Visibility: Fog and thin air at higher elevations made both power delivery and navigation more difficult.
  • Mechanical Stress: The harsh surface punished suspension, brakes, and tires — car setup was a key component of survival.

Grönholm’s win in Argentina highlighted his adaptability and mechanical sympathy, key traits that helped Peugeot remain a serious force in the 2003 WRC title fight.

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