2003 Race of Champions

The 2003 Race of Champions took place on November 28–30 at Gran Canaria for the final time. It was also the last year for three-car teams in the Nations' Cup (including one motorcycle racer), with the focus on rally drivers fading after this year's event due to the later stadium-based venues using all-tarmac tracks. The vehicles used were the Peugeot 206 WRC, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII Group N, the Subaru Impreza WRX and the ROC Buggy. The individual competition was won by Sébastien Loeb, whilst the Nations' Cup was won by the All-Star line-up of Fonsi Nieto, Gilles Panizzi and Cristiano da Matta. == Participants == Nick Heidfeld was originally confirmed for Germany but had prior commitments, his brother Sven took his place. Johnny Herbert was originally confirmed for Great Britain but had prior commitments, Guy Smith took his place. Marcus Grönholm was to represent Finland, but due to testing commitments could not arrive in time for the Nations Cup. Timo Salonen took his place. Kenny Brack was to represent Sweden, but due to injury sustained in a CART accident Björn Wirdheim took his place. == Junior Rally Masters == === Group stage === === Final === == Nations' Cup == === Group stage === ==== Group A ==== ==== Group B ==== ==== Group C ==== USA progress to the semi-finals by having the fastest total time of the losing teams. ==== Best Times ==== === Knockout stage === ==== Semifinals ==== ==== Final ==== == Race of Champions == Participation in the main Race of Champions was awarded primarily on the basis of having the best times in the Nations' Cup. There were several exceptions to this rule however – Marcus Grönholm, as the defending champion, was guaranteed a spot, whilst Cristiano da Matta, despite having the best time among racing drivers in the Nations' Cup, did not participate. François Duval secured his place by winning the Junior event, Dani Sordo won the Spanish Masters event, Timo Salonen was an invited 'seeded' driver and Martin Rowe was invited for having won the 2003 PWRC title. Thomas Biagi meanwhile earned his place by beating FIA GT teammate Matteo Bobbi and Volkswagen Cup UK winner Rob Carvell. === Group stage === ==== Group A ==== ==== Group B ==== === Knockout stage === ==== Quarterfinals ==== ==== Semifinals ==== ==== Final ==== == References == == External links == https://web.archive.org/web/20050203014113/http://www.carreradecampeones.org/