History 2000s

2004 Uddeholm Swedish Rally (Sweden)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2004 Uddeholm Swedish Rally (Sweden)

Date: February 6–8, 2004

Start Location: Karlstad, Sweden

Finish Location: Karlstad, Sweden

Total Distance: ~1,250 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 386.94 km

Surface: Snow/Ice

In a stunning performance, Sébastien Loeb made rally history by becoming the first non-Nordic driver to win the Swedish Rally. Traditionally dominated by Scandinavian snow specialists, the event saw Loeb master the icy forests with precision and consistency, cementing Citroën’s reputation as a title threat on all terrain types.

Route

Hagfors: Classic high-speed snow stage with sweeping bends and solid snowbanks for tight cornering.
Vargåsen: Famous for the “Colin’s Crest” jump — balance and commitment were essential.
Lesjöfors: Long, technical, and narrow — ice patches and deceptive crests challenged even the best.

The Swedish Rally featured flat-out stages lined with snowbanks and frozen lakes, requiring bravery, throttle control, and commitment. Key stages included:

Studded tires and perfectly timed pacenotes made the difference, as Loeb remained unflappable despite deep Scandinavian opposition.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
2nd Place
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 307 WRC
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Marc Martí · Citroën Xsara WRC

Loeb’s consistent stage times and clean lines gave him a firm lead. Grönholm fought hard in the new Peugeot but couldn’t close the gap, while Sainz rounded out the podium with a controlled performance to secure valuable team points.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Snowbank Risks: While helpful for turning, mistiming an entry could launch the car or bury it in soft drifts.
  • Throttle Precision: Maintaining momentum through low-grip surfaces without spinning required exact control.
  • Stud Preservation: Tire wear on studs was a factor on longer stages — drivers had to manage braking zones carefully.

Loeb’s Swedish win was more than just a milestone — it proved that his skill and Citroën’s engineering could break records and redefine expectations on the sport’s most specialized terrain.

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