History 2000s

2003 Wales Rally GB (United Kingdom)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2003 Wales Rally GB (United Kingdom)

Date: November 6–9, 2003

Start Location: Cardiff, Wales

Finish Location: Cardiff, Wales

Total Distance: ~1,200 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 394.32 km

Surface: Gravel (mud/forest)

The 2003 Wales Rally GB was a decisive season finale, with the title fight culminating in the wet, foggy Welsh forests. Petter Solberg delivered a near-perfect performance under immense pressure, outpacing main rival Sébastien Loeb and claiming both the rally win and his first WRC drivers’ championship.

Route

Myherin: Wide, fast, and sweeping — fog and changing grip made this a true test of bravery and vision.
Dyfnant: Technical forest tracks with limited visibility and relentless corners.
Sweet Lamb: Iconic with jumps, water splashes, and a fan-filled amphitheater section — pressure was high on every pass.

Held in the damp, mist-covered forests of Wales, the rally included legendary stages like:

Persistent drizzle and morning fog made grip unpredictable and forced drivers to adapt their lines on every run.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Petter Solberg & Phil Mills · Subaru Impreza WRC
2nd Place
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Marc Martí · Citroën Xsara WRC

Solberg maintained blistering pace over all three legs, eventually pulling clear of Loeb. With the title on the line, Loeb drove conservatively per Citroën’s constructors’ orders, settling for second to secure the team’s manufacturers’ crown.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Low Visibility: Fog and mist made early morning stages extremely dangerous — co-driver timing was absolutely critical.
  • Mud and Ruts: Gravel quickly broke down into slick mud — small line errors punished heavily on cambered corners.
  • Title Pressure: With the championship at stake, every second counted — Solberg’s composure and Mills’ flawless pacenotes made the difference.

The 2003 Wales Rally GB was a defining moment in WRC history — Petter Solberg’s victory ended the season in spectacular fashion and crowned him Norway’s first world rally champion.

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