Background
Gilles was born in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Alpes-Maritimes.
Gilles was born in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Alpes-Maritimes.
Like many of his fellow rally racing countrymen, Gilles spent a great deal of his developmental driving years participating in asphalt rally events throughout his native land. lieutenant was at that point that he was nominated to drive for Peugeot as their resident asphalt (tarmac/sealed-surface) expert. Between 1999 and 2003 Panizzi had great success in his role as Peugeot"s tarmac expert.
However, Panizzi"s inability to match his rivals pace on gravel precluded him from challenging for the world title while at Peugeot.
He is the only WRC driver to do a (famous) 360 spin at the 2002 Rally Catalunya. He was leading by around 45 seconds and decided to give the fans a little treat.
In the 2005 season, Gilles was replaced in the lead car by Harri Rovanperä, and guested in the second car with Gianluigi Galli. He finished 3rd at the Monaco rally, the first event of the season, but only scored points in one other event.
In 2006, he was signed by the semi-privateer Red Bulletin Skoda team
Despite a strong performance in the opening rally of the season in Monte Carlo, he expressed his dissatisfaction at the performance of his car, and after a disappointing showing in Spain, he announced his departure from the team, and was replaced by his former Peugeot teammate Harri Rovanperä.