History 2000s

2005 Rally Italia Sardegna (Italy)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2005 Rally Italia Sardegna (Italy)

Date: April 29 – May 1, 2005

Start Location: Olbia, Sardinia, Italy

Finish Location: Olbia, Sardinia, Italy

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

Competitive Stages: 344.80 km

Surface: Gravel (narrow, abrasive)

Returning to the rugged island stages of Sardinia, Sébastien Loeb once again demonstrated his unmatched control on loose surfaces. The event’s tight and technical gravel roads demanded absolute precision — a demand Loeb and the Citroën Xsara WRC met with mastery.

Route

Monte Lerno: Rocky and narrow — famous for its jumps and treacherous rock cuts.
Terranova: Flowing in parts but broken by tight junctions and quick elevation drops.
Loelle: Technical and dusty — a car breaker for the careless.

Sardinia’s gravel stages featured tight hairpins, blind crests, and minimal runoff. Signature stages included:

Hot, dry weather created loose surfaces and deep dust clouds, making visibility a problem for cars further back in the road order. First-day sweepers were at a disadvantage until grip improved on second passes.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
2nd Place
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 307 WRC
3rd Place
Markko Märtin & Michael Park · Peugeot 307 WRC

Loeb’s calculated drive minimized mistakes and tire wear. Grönholm and Märtin fought for second, but neither could challenge Loeb’s early lead. The Peugeot duo brought home strong points despite a few setup compromises in the rougher loops.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Precision Driving: Sardinian roads left zero room for error — Loeb’s clean lines and braking discipline were unmatched.
  • Dust Visibility: Gaps were widened due to impaired sightlines — co-driver timing and trust became even more critical.
  • Rock Hazards: Loose stones caused punctures and underbody damage — tire management was crucial to reach the finish unharmed.

With his win in Sardinia, Loeb made it clear that his grip on the 2005 WRC season was tightening. He outclassed rivals with a methodical, mistake-free drive — the hallmark of a true champion.

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