In mid-2002, Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz were battling to see who would be the most successful driver ever. They were fighting for their 23rd, 24th and 25th wins.
There were three of them (including Tommi Makinen), who had all had successful periods in the 1990s, totally eclipsing the previous leaders in terms of wins. Markku Alen, Miki Biasion and Hannu Mikkola were in their rear view mirrors.