Ott Tanak Roars Towards Victory at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece
Estonian driver Ott Tanak, alongside co-driver Martin Jarveoja, showcased a masterful performance at the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, dominating the competition and edging closer to securing Hyundai’s first victory of the year. Tanak’s stellar display included clinching five out of six stage wins, with only Sebastian Ogier managing to outpace him on SS10 by a mere 0.1 seconds.
Maintaining a commanding 43.6-second lead going into the final day of the rally, Tanak expressed cautious optimism about the challenges that lie ahead. Despite the strong performance, he emphasized the need to stay focused and finish strong to secure the elusive win for Hyundai this season.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ogier faced setbacks that saw him drop to third place after damaging his suspension. Nevertheless, the Toyota Gazoo Racing driver displayed resilience and managed to stay in contention for a podium finish.
Adrien Fourmaux, also driving for Hyundai, faced his own share of obstacles, including a tire coming off its rim on SS11. However, Fourmaux’s determination saw him maintain his position in the top five, setting the stage for an intense final day of racing.
Meanwhile, Elfyn Evans of Toyota struggled to keep pace with the leaders, describing the conditions as “very rough.” With Thierry Neuville trailing behind, Evans recognizes the importance of maximizing his points-scoring opportunities on the last day of the rally.
The event was not without its share of challenges for other drivers, including Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta, who both encountered issues that forced them to retire from the race. Despite facing punctures and setbacks, Neuville fought his way back into contention, highlighting the fierce competition at the Acropolis Rally.
As the rally heads into its final stages, the battle for supremacy intensifies, with each driver vying for crucial points in the championship standings. With Tanak on the brink of a historic victory for Hyundai, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece.