History 2000s

2005 Rally Finland (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2005 Rally Finland (Finland)

Date: August 5–7, 2005

Start Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

Finish Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

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

Competitive Stages: 355.59 km

Surface: Gravel (fast, flowing)

Known as the 'Gravel Grand Prix,' Rally Finland is famed for its high speeds, massive jumps, and sweeping forest roads. Marcus Grönholm delivered a masterclass in commitment and confidence on home soil, capturing his fifth Finland victory and ending Loeb’s winning streak with a flawless drive in the Peugeot 307 WRC.

Route

Ouninpohja: The most legendary of all — over 30 km of jumps, crests, and deceptive bends taken at blistering speeds.
Lankamaa: Flowing and technical — a balance of bravery and finesse was needed through tight forest corridors.
Ruuhimäki: Packed with iconic jumps and sweeping lines — a fan favorite and a true test of rhythm and throttle control.

Finland’s unique gravel character allowed for near-flat-out driving across blind crests and tree-lined lanes. Key stages included:

Dry weather and excellent surface prep made this one of the cleanest and fastest editions in recent years, with average stage speeds exceeding 120 km/h.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 307 WRC
2nd Place
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
3rd Place
Mikko Hirvonen & Jarmo Lehtinen · Ford Focus RS WRC

Grönholm built an early lead and defended it with speed and precision. Loeb drove intelligently to claim second and avoid unnecessary risks, while Hirvonen impressed with a composed and quick drive to complete the podium in front of his home fans.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Blind Crests: Trust in pacenotes was non-negotiable — cars took flight at full throttle in sections like Ouninpohja.
  • Landing Stability: Repeated jumps meant suspension tuning and throttle modulation were vital to maintain control.
  • Split-Second Timing: At 130+ km/h through trees, even a slight hesitation could cost seconds or worse — Grönholm made zero mistakes.

Grönholm’s triumph in Finland proved that sheer speed, local knowledge, and fearless execution could still topple the reigning champion — even in the midst of Loeb’s dominant 2005 campaign.

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