Ott Tanak Dominates Acropolis Rally with Incredible Lead, Kalle Rovanpera Forced to Retire
Estonian driver Ott Tanak showcased a masterful performance at the Acropolis Rally Greece, establishing an impressive 43.6-second lead over Sebastien Ogier as the event headed into its final day. Tanak’s exceptional driving skills were on full display as he conquered five out of the six challenging gravel stages on a scorching Saturday, propelling Hyundai closer to their first victory of the 2025 World Rally Championship season.
Tanak’s Hyundai teammate, Adrien Fourmaux, encountered a setback during Stage 10, allowing Ogier to claim the second position. Despite the intense competition, Tanak’s strategic decision to switch back to a base set-up on his i20 N proved to be a game-changer, enhancing his performance in the demanding race conditions.
The day was not without its share of drama, as Toyota’s Kalle Rovanpera and Takamoto Katsuta were both forced to retire from the rally. Rovanpera faced challenges with his GR Yaris, ultimately halting his race after encountering brake and driveshaft issues. Meanwhile, Katsuta’s rally came to an abrupt end when he misjudged a braking maneuver, leaving his car stranded on a gravel ridge just meters away from the stage finish.
As the Acropolis Rally unfolded, Elfyn Evans of Toyota persevered through tire complications to secure the fourth spot, while Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville made a remarkable recovery from multiple punctures to claim fifth place. M-Sport’s Gregoire Munster and Josh McErlean encountered their own set of obstacles, battling through mechanical issues to maintain their positions in the top rankings.
In the WRC2 category, Oliver Solberg continued to dominate, showcasing an outstanding performance that positioned him in seventh place, well ahead of his competitors. With 99 kilometers of challenging stages scheduled for the final day of the rally, the competition is set to intensify as drivers push their limits in pursuit of victory.
