Gilles Panizzi

Gilles Panizzi, born on September 19, 1965, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Alpes-Maritimes, is a distinguished former French rally driver known for his expertise on asphalt surfaces. His early career was marked by participation in various asphalt rally events across France, which laid the foundation for his future successes.

In 1996 and 1997, Panizzi clinched the French Championship title driving a Peugeot 306 kit car, which led to his nomination as Peugeot's resident asphalt expert. Between 1999 and 2003, he achieved remarkable success, winning seven World Rally Championship rounds, all on tarmac. However, his struggles on gravel and snow hindered his ability to compete for the world title.

One of the most notable incidents in his career occurred during the 2000 Safari Rally, where a confrontation with Argentine driver Roberto Sanchez resulted in a physical altercation, leading to a hefty fine of fifty thousand dollars for the Panizzi brothers. Panizzi is also remembered for executing a famous 360 spin at the Viladrau hairpin during the 2002 Rally Catalunya.

In 2004, he joined Mitsubishi Motor Sports, but by the 2005 season, he found himself replaced in the lead car. Despite a strong start with a third-place finish at the Monte Carlo Rally, his performance dwindled. In 2006, he signed with the Red Bull Škoda team but left after expressing dissatisfaction with the car's performance.

Later in his career, Panizzi participated in two Intercontinental Rally Challenge events, achieving respectable finishes. His return to rallying came in 2021 at the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine, where he drove a Hyundai i20 R5 and finished fifteenth overall, marking a notable comeback.