History 2000s

2005 Wales Rally GB (United Kingdom)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2005 Wales Rally GB (United Kingdom)

Date: September 16–18, 2005

Start Location: Cardiff, Wales

Finish Location: Cardiff, Wales

Total Distance: ~1,120 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 355.30 km

Surface: Gravel (wet, muddy, forest)

In classic Welsh conditions — rain, mist, and deep forest mud — Petter Solberg broke Sébastien Loeb’s run of victories with a determined and precise performance. The win was especially meaningful, not just for Solberg’s season, but for co-driver Phil Mills, who celebrated the win in front of his home fans.

Route

Myherin: Long and technical, combining wide gravel tracks with fast elevation changes and changing surfaces.
Sweet Lamb: One of the rally’s signature stages — known for water splashes, jumps, and large crowds.
Hafren: Deep forest stage — long, winding, and often shrouded in fog with slick surfaces and high-speed corners.

Held in the fast, flowing forestry roads of South and Mid Wales, the rally delivered its usual mix of fog and treacherous grip levels. Key stages included:

Heavy rain created mud-rutted lines and poor visibility, but Solberg’s smooth inputs and tire choice decisions kept him clear of mistakes.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Petter Solberg & Phil Mills · Subaru Impreza WRC
2nd Place
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
3rd Place
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 307 WRC

Solberg took control from the early stages and held his lead with flawless execution. Loeb, focused on championship management, pushed just enough to secure second. Grönholm completed the podium but struggled with tire wear in the slick conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Fog and Darkness: Some stages were run in near-zero visibility — co-driver timing and total trust in pacenotes were essential.
  • Waterlogged Surfaces: Rain softened the base, creating slick mud and rutting — wrong tire choices could cost minutes.
  • Fatigue and Focus: The physical and mental toll of three long legs in poor weather tested even the most seasoned crews.

Solberg’s triumph in Wales was a critical morale boost — and a reminder that in tough conditions, raw pace and heart still win rallies. The crowd roared for Mills and Solberg as they stood atop the podium — soaked, muddy, and victorious.

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