Ott Tanak Shines in WRC Acropolis Rally, Ends Hyundai’s Victory Drought
Epic showdown in extreme conditions at the Acropolis Rally Greece as Ott Tanak secures a breathtaking victory, breaking Hyundai’s seven-race dry spell. Tanak’s stellar performance catapults him closer to World Rally Championship glory, outpacing Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier by a commanding 32.8 seconds in a nail-biting duel that saw Tanak battling a gearbox issue on the final stage. The intense competition culminated in Hyundai clinching a double podium finish, with Adrien Fourmaux claiming third place, a mere 3 minutes and 9.8 seconds behind Tanak.
The victory at Acropolis Rally marked the end of Toyota’s winning streak of six consecutive triumphs, halting their 100% victory record in the 2025 season. The grueling race tested drivers with scorching cockpit temperatures soaring to nearly 70 degrees Celsius, coupled with treacherously rough gravel roads that led to multiple punctures on Hankook tires across the WRC.
Tanak’s masterful navigation through the challenging terrain allowed him to complete all 17 stages unscathed, avoiding significant tire damage and mechanical mishaps. Initially sharing the rally lead with Ogier after the super special stage in Athens, Tanak overtook the lead on day two despite facing balance issues with his i20 N. The Estonian driver’s resilience paid off as he maintained his lead, finishing Friday with a slim advantage over Fourmaux, who showcased remarkable speed and strategy to surpass Ogier.
Saturday witnessed a fierce Tanak versus Ogier battle, with Tanak dominating by securing five stage wins out of six, establishing a commanding 43.6-second lead over his rival. The final day of the rally unfolded with Tanak navigating through 99 competitive stage kilometers, overcoming a gearbox glitch on the Power Stage to secure a well-deserved victory. Despite Ogier’s remarkable performance on the Power Stage, he fell short of denying Tanak maximum points.
Elfyn Evans, the championship leader, faced a tough challenge as the road opener on Friday but managed to secure a fourth-place finish, salvaging crucial points to retain his lead, albeit with a narrowed margin over Ogier and Tanak. Reigning champion Thierry Neuville experienced a rollercoaster of setbacks, from punctures to mechanical issues, ultimately finishing in fifth place.
The rally also saw Oliver Solberg’s flawless victory in WRC2, finishing sixth overall amidst challenges faced by Rally1 drivers. Several contenders, including Kalle Rovanpera and Takamoto Katsuta, encountered obstacles such as punctures and mechanical failures, reshuffling the leaderboard throughout the event.
As the dust settles on the Acropolis Rally, Tanak’s triumph stands as a testament to his skill and determination, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of the World Rally Championship season.
