History 2000s

2004 Rallye d’Italie Sardegna (Italy)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2004 Rallye d’Italie Sardegna (Italy)

Date: October 1–3, 2004

Start Location: Olbia, Sardinia, Italy

Finish Location: Olbia, Sardinia, Italy

Total Distance: ~1,050 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 383.06 km

Surface: Gravel (narrow, abrasive)

The 2004 Rallye d’Italie Sardegna marked the debut of Sardinia on the WRC calendar, replacing Sanremo as Italy’s round. The island’s rocky, twisting gravel roads created a stern test for all crews, but Sébastien Loeb’s measured approach and the Xsara’s composure proved unbeatable across the rugged terrain.

Route

Monte Lerno: Technical and rocky with minimal runoff — tested suspension and driver patience.
Terranova: Flowing and scenic, but with tight rhythm changes and low visibility corners.
Loelle: Known for deep gravel beds and aggressive stone outcroppings — mistakes meant retirements.

Stages were defined by narrow widths, blind crests, and loose gravel, with punishing rock faces just off-line. Key stages included:

Dry conditions prevailed, increasing the challenge of loose surface traction, particularly for early runners sweeping the gravel.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
2nd Place
Petter Solberg & Phil Mills · Subaru Impreza WRC
3rd Place
Markko Märtin & Michael Park · Ford Focus RS WRC

Loeb took the lead early and maintained his advantage through the second and third legs. Solberg pushed hard but had minor setbacks with traction, while Märtin delivered a steady performance to secure another podium finish for Ford.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Narrow Roads: Sardinian stages offered little forgiveness — one misjudged entry often meant contact with rocks or cliffs.
  • Loose Gravel: First on the road suffered with grip — sweeping became a major disadvantage in dry conditions.
  • Pace Note Accuracy: Blind crests and sudden dips made co-driver timing absolutely critical — Loeb and Elena were flawless.

The 2004 Rallye d’Italie Sardegna introduced one of the most technical and visually stunning gravel events on the calendar — and Loeb’s victory demonstrated once again his versatility and near-faultless precision under pressure.

← Previous Event 2004 Wales Rally GB (United Kingdom)
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