With the reconnaissance of the special stages completed, the countdown has begun for today’s start of this year’s “EKO Acropolis Rally.” A total of 70 crews from 31 countries, including 17 Greek teams, will participate. Lamia will serve as the “home base” for the “Rally of the Gods,” a race that drivers, after their reconnaissance runs, have called a “challenge” with “very tough special stages.”

Today’s schedule kicks off with the shakedown in Lamia, and the event will conclude on Sunday with the special stage at Eleftherohori. In total, the race consists of 15 special stages covering 305 kilometers.

“This year marks the fourth consecutive year since its revival by the New Democracy government, and the ‘EKO Acropolis Rally’ once again puts Greece at the center of global motorsport, broadcasting to 50 million viewers across 150 countries. This is a massive event that transcends its purely sporting nature, showcasing a different side of Greece to a large, mostly alternative audience. Essentially, we are opening a ‘window’ to the world, allowing them to admire our country through a flawlessly organized event, which has become a model for many other nations hosting WRC races. We continue methodically to promote our country through sports and increase its investment opportunities, leveraging the dynamic power of sports that we must capitalize on,” Deputy Minister of Sports Yiannis Vroutsis told “Kathimerini.”

The world’s best drivers will participate in the “Rally of the Gods.” Starting last Monday, crews have been conducting reconnaissance runs and have expressed their excitement and readiness to face the challenges of these unique stages. “The special stages are very rough, with stones everywhere. It will be tough on both the cars and the tires. Overall, the stages are tighter compared to the past, which will be a challenge for us. I expect the race to be more difficult and demanding than last year,” said Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe.

Eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier was also impressed by the harsh terrain. “Honestly, I haven’t seen another version of the Acropolis Rally that is this tough! The conditions are bad, regarding the road surface. It will be a tough three days for everyone.” Welsh driver Elfyn Evans, son of former champion Gwyndaf Evans, shared a similar view: “The conditions are tough. This is probably the roughest Acropolis we’ve seen in recent years. Without a doubt, it will be a tough three days.”

Last year’s Acropolis Rally saw crews struggling through mud after devastating rains. This year, drivers have noted the rough road conditions after their reconnaissance. “At least this year the stages are dry! The race is slower than last year. There are a lot of stones on the road, but we must remember that we are in Greece,” emphasized Estonian Ott Tänak. French driver Adrien Fourmaux, who has climbed the podium four times this year, added: “One major difference is that the stages are dry this year. The special stages are narrow and demanding but also rough. There are some new stages, and overall the race is slower than last year. It’s tougher compared to Portugal and Sardinia, and in some areas even tougher than Safari.”

The “Rally of the Gods” Schedule:

• Thursday:
• 09.01: Shakedown – Lamia, 3.62 km
• 19.00: Start – Lamia
• Friday:
• 07.58: SS1: Ano Pavliani 1 (22.47 km)
• 09.09: SS2: Dafni (21.67 km)
• 11.17: SS3: Tarzan 1 (23.37 km)
• 14.29: SS4: Ano Pavliani 2 (22.47 km)
• 15.40: SS5: Dafni 2 (21.67 km)
• 17.48: SS6: Tarzan 2 (23.37 km)
• Saturday:
• 08.16: SS7: Regini (28.67 km)
• 10.37: SS8: Thebes (20.95 km)
• 13.05: SS9: Agioi Theodoroi 1 (25.87 km)
• 15.46: SS10: Loutraki (12.90 km)
• 17.05: SS11: Agioi Theodoroi 2 (25.87 km)
• 21.05: SS12: EKO SSS “Sirius” (1.97 km)
• Sunday:
• 08.59: SS13: Oinochori (17.47 km)
• 10.05: SS14: Eleftherochori 1 (18.29 km)
• 13.15: SS15: Eleftherochori 2 – Wolf Power Stage (18.29 km)

Total special stage length: 305.30 km.

Acropolis Rally is one of the challenging events of the World Championship. The world’s best drivers will face the challenges of the beautiful Greek mountain stages, and the images will travel around the world showcasing Greece. Notable participants include the leader in the drivers’ standings Thierry Neuville, eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, the young Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux, who has reached the podium four times this year, and Ott Tänak, among others. Among the crews, there will be 17 Greek teams aiming for strong performances and positions in the various categories.

Acropolis Rally: When the drivers were heroes

The total amount of electrical energy required to meet the energy needs of the EKO Service Park in Lamia will come from renewable energy sources. The top category of rally cars is hybrid technology, with fuel derived from non-fossil hydrocarbons.