History 2000s

2009 Rally Australia (Australia)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2009 Rally Australia (Australia)

Date: September 3–6, 2009

Start Location: Kingscliff, New South Wales

Finish Location: Kingscliff, New South Wales

Total Distance: ~1,241.80 km

Competitive Stages: 344.02 km

Surface: Gravel (fast with loose top layer)

Returning to the WRC calendar after a one-year absence, Rally Australia brought new stages along the coast and in the Tweed Valley. Loeb’s speed was unquestionable, but the event was overshadowed by multiple drivers, including Loeb, receiving one-minute penalties for illegal anti-roll bars. Despite the setback, Loeb fought back to win on the road, though the penalties initially cost him the official victory before being reinstated after appeals.

Route

Byron: Flowing coastal gravel with panoramic views but tricky cambers.
Repentance: Narrow, technical, and lined with unforgiving trees.
Dayco: A mix of high-speed and sharp braking zones demanding perfect pace notes.

The 2009 route was a blend of fast open sections and tight forest trails, with dust and surface changes keeping crews on their toes. Key stages included:

Dust hanging in the still air caused major visibility problems for cars starting further back, adding to the tension in the championship fight.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën C4 WRC
2nd Place
Mikko Hirvonen & Jarmo Lehtinen · Ford Focus RS WRC 09
3rd Place
Dani Sordo & Marc Martí · Citroën C4 WRC

The penalties temporarily reshuffled the standings, but Loeb’s dominance on the stages ensured his performance was remembered as the true winning drive. Hirvonen, aware of the title implications, settled for valuable points rather than risking it all.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Dust Clouds: Limited visibility made precise pace notes vital for every crest and braking point.
  • Mixed Grip: Switching between loose gravel and compacted dirt required constant adaptation.
  • Penalty Pressure: Managing speed under the cloud of possible disqualification added mental strain.

Rally Australia 2009 was as much a mental battle as a physical one. Loeb’s victory kept his championship hopes alive, setting up a tense final stretch in the WRC season.

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