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From the outset 2004 was Loeb's show. Wins in Monte Carlo and Sweden powered frenchman to championship lead which he never lost. During the year four further wins followed and besides the championship points, the important thing for Sebastien were the three wins on gravel.
For Citroen it was not just the wins but more importantly the incredible consistency of their car and drivers. Citroen scored with both of their cars in all but four occasions out of 31 starts, last non-score was because Sainz did not start Australia at all.
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For a first time calendar was expanded beyond 14 events, much to distress of many teams which complained about tightened schedules and additional expenses. New events themselves, Mexico and Japan, were success and added colour to the championship.
Rule changes included number of important changes like ban on gravel crews (this was later reversed for tarmac events), supe-rally experiment where retired crews were able to rejoin the rally, flexi service and remote tyre and refuel zones.
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Most teams presented 2004 versions of their cars but the only really new cars were Peugeot 307WRC and Mitsubishi Lancer WRC04.
Peugeot 307WRC debuted in Monte Carlo and caused various problems for the championship winning team through-out the season. Most controversial was disqualification after win in Cyprus because impeller material on water pump was in breach of regulations, slightly but still.
Also new Lancer debuted in Monte Carlo and caused at least as many headaches for the team as 307WRC did. Nevertheless, restructured team learned a lot and subsequently have committed to 2005 championship.
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2004 FIA World Rally Champions, Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena.
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Drivers scoring their
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first win
no new winners
first drivers' point
H. Solberg (Sweden)
D. Carlsson (Sweden)
J. Valimaki (Mexico)
M. Campos (Cyprus)
A. Warmbold (Turkey)
L. Perez Companc (Argentina)
J. Paasonen (Finland)
G. Galli (Sardinia)
S. Sarrazin (Corsica)
D. Sola (Catalunya)
C. Crocker (Australia)
X. Pons (Australia)
C. Atkinson (Australia)
first stage win
C. Robert (Deutschland)
S. Sarrazin (Catalunya)
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