The battle for the top spot at the Acropolis Rally Greece has begun with a thrilling shakedown stage that saw Thierry Neuville and Takamoto Katsuta impressively tying for the fastest time. As the competition heats up in the Greek terrain, drivers faced a challenging 2.2-mile Lygaria test, offering a mere taste of the grueling conditions they will encounter over the scorching weekend, with temperatures expected to soar to a blistering 40C.
Defying expectations, Josh McErlean initially dominated the shakedown, only to slip to sixth place after subsequent runs. Meanwhile, reigning world champion Thierry Neuville, a two-time Acropolis Rally winner, is eyeing another victory following his triumph last year. Neuville’s rapid time of 2m37.9s in the shakedown hints at his potential success, although he voiced concerns about the hazardous dust clouds affecting visibility, emphasizing the need for caution.
Amidst the dust-filled challenges, fellow champions Ott Tänak and Kalle Rovanperä expressed apprehensions about the unpredictable nature of the rally. Tänak, the third fastest in the shakedown, acknowledged the unforgiving conditions, setting the tone for a nail-biting competition. As the drivers gear up for the tough weekend ahead, Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, and Adrien Fourmaux are all bracing themselves for the demanding Greek stages, each aiming for a strong performance in the face of adversity.
With the stage set for an intense battle, the Acropolis Rally Greece promises thrills and surprises as drivers navigate the treacherous terrain in pursuit of victory. Stay tuned as the action unfolds and the drama intensifies on the challenging Greek roads.