Rally Acropolis 2018 (June 1-3)

[bomber21]

This year’s Acropolis Rally offers new experiences. After two rallies with exactly the same stages (2016 & 2017), 2018 Acropolis rally starts right under the Acropolis monument in the centre of Athens giving the rally much more publicity and prestige.

Next, cars will head to a horses racetrack located in a suburb of Attica named Markopoulo for a Super Special Stage.

Then, SS2 will take place in a well known place from the older Acropolis rallies in Thiva.

On Saturday and Sunday, action will move to the classic SS of Central Greece, close to Lamia, the “capital” city of rallying in Greece.

Last year I was really dissapointed by the very few entries. Let’s hope that 2018 will be a better year for Greek rally fans with many R5 cars...

[Aquagen]

Iurii Protasov - Pavel Cherepin will take part in Acropolis Rally 2018 driving Skoda Fabia R5

[bomber21]

Jourdan Serderidis will join as well. He also took part in greek championship rally that took place three weeks before Acropolis as a test event.

[PLuto]

I think this year there will be very interesting entry list on Acropolis.

[mousti]

Some other suprises then. Nasser? Maybe one or two WRC2 runners?

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[Antreas]

most probably 3 R5 from Cyprus!

[PLuto]

Some other suprises then. Nasser? Maybe one or two WRC2 runners?

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

Yes, there will be some surprises.

[PLuto]

There will be at least 15-20 R5 cars...

[Antreas]

Probably entries with R5
Lukyanuk
Griebel
Magalhaes
Gryazin
Nasser
Herczig
Ptaszek
Habaj
Serderidis
Botka
Neubauer
Nobre
Von Thurn
Brynildsen
Zawada
Avcioglu
Tsouloftas
Galatariotis
Yiangou
Philippides
Tsolakidis
Ahlin
Anything else???

[PLuto]

Some of them will not start for sure (for example Zawada), but some more will be added ;)

[pucky54]

He also took part in greek championship rally that took place three weeks before Acropolis as a test event.

On exactly the same stages as rally day 3 of this years Acropolis Rally?!?!?!

[bomber21]

On exactly the same stages as rally day 3 of this years Acropolis Rally?!?!?!
Not same but similar and in the same region.

[Antreas]

What happened with Zawada?

[pucky54]

Not same but similar and in the same region.

To me this looks absolutely the same!!!

[mousti]

And what's the problem about that. He can run it 100 times before he wont win.

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[Jarek Z]

Brynildsen says that he wants to win Rally Acropolis. Do you think it is possible?
https://www.fiaerc.com/brynildsen-targets-erc-acropolis-podium/

[dimviii]

Brynildsen says that he wants to win Rally Acropolis:
https://www.fiaerc.com/brynildsen-targets-erc-acropolis-podium/

lol

[kure91]

What happened with Zawada?

I would expect, that he is targeting on JERC U28, so Acropolis is waste of money from this point of view

[PLuto]

What happened with Zawada?

He never planned to start on Acropolis.

[pucky54]

And what's the problem about that. He can run it 100 times before he wont win.

There is no Problem. I just wasn't sure that you can use exactly the same roads just three weeks before an FIA Event...

[dupanton]

They do the same with Rallye Antibes in France (French championship and TER round). Few weeks before the event there is Rallye de l'Escarène which uses exactly the same stages. Also Monte Carlo uses them.

[pucky54]

They do the same with Rallye Antibes in France (French championship and TER round). Few weeks before the event there is Rallye de l'Escarène which uses exactly the same stages. Also Monte Carlo uses them.

Sure, there are months between Monte and Antibes, so no issues about that...

[bomber21]

Today is the last day for drivers want to participate in Acropolis Rally. On Monday 21/05, the entry list will be uploaded.

[Antreas]

We know any confirmed driver?

[Jarek Z]

We know any confirmed driver?

Yes. He even said he is going to win :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/brynildsen-targets-erc-acropolis-podium/

[Jarek Z]

Probably entries with R5
...
Neubauer
...


Not true:
https://www.fiaerc.com/why-more-stages-would-have-suited-neubauer-in-the-erc/

[bomber21]

Indian champion Ghosh will participate with Fiesta R2.
https://www.fiaerc.com/amittrajit-ghosh-is-erc-bound-to-build-experience/

[Antreas]

Confirmed Greek drivers
georgios vasilakis Ford Fiesta R5
Eufthimios halcias Skoda Fabia R5

[bomber21]

Confirmed Greek drivers
georgios vasilakis Ford Fiesta R5
Eufthimios halcias Skoda Fabia R5
Nice to see locals with R5!

[Mirek]

Brynildsen says that he wants to win Rally Acropolis. Do you think it is possible?
https://www.fiaerc.com/brynildsen-targets-erc-acropolis-podium/

Lukyanuk shall be there per today's press release.

[Antreas]

Unfortunately no gryazin in acropolis

[atsiotras79]

The entry list will be ok and with crews that we did not expect. Patience till tomorrow...

[Antreas]

How many surprises drivers?..I hope minimum 2

[harriswrc]

http://acropolisrally.gr/2018/images/pdf/engr_acro2018_entries_erc.pdf

19 R5 cars

[PLuto]

Unfortunately, due to health problems will be missing Chris Ingram and David Botka.

[mousti]

Unfortunately, due to health problems will be missing Chris Ingram and David Botka.Ingram would be indeed a surprise because Acropolis is no part of JERC.

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[bomber21]

I do not see any surprises...

[Sulland]

And Mr Nordgren and his codriver has switched citizenship from Finland to Norway since Portugal :D

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entryinfo/44260-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2018/1809901/

[PLuto]

Ingram would be indeed a surprise because Acropolis is no part of JERC.

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But he was planning to start there...

[PLuto]

And Mr Nordgren and his codriver has switched citizenship from Finland to Norway since Portugal :D

It is very simple. Juuso's surname starts with Nor, so he must be from Norway :D

[mousti]

But he was planning to start there...Always welcome to do Ypres instead. Eventhough its no part anymore of ERC, still very prestigious . And his dad already preferred to ditch Acropolis for Ypres

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[atsiotras79]

But he was planning to start there...
I can confirm that...

[Antreas]

We hope both botka and Ingram to
do Cyprus Rally

[Antreas]

How many drivers can registered for ERC1??Why yuri protasov and skoda motosport driver didn’t registered as ERC 1 drivers and the same time Priorities?Is there any maximum number of ERC1 drivers per race?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

We hope both botka and Ingram to
do Cyprus Rally

You mean Acropolis ? Ingram wont be there either as its not an U28 JERC scoring event.

[Antreas]

It was possible for Ingram to do acropolis according to guys in the forum but for health reasons he decided to don’t doing acropolis,and I wrote that I hope to see him in Cyprus

[Jarek Z]

How many drivers can registered for ERC1??Why yuri protasov and skoda motosport driver didn’t registered as ERC 1 drivers and the same time Priorities?Is there any maximum number of ERC1 drivers per race?

No, as far as I know there is no limit. Maybe they didn't want to pay a higher entry fee for registration in ERC?

[Mirek]

It doesn't make sense for a manufacturer team not to register itself. Unregistered drivers don't drive qualification and can't select starting position. They run only behind ERC3.

Maybe it's a mistake in the entry list or maybe they will register later (if it's possible)?

[PLuto]

You mean Acropolis ? Ingram wont be there either as its not an U28 JERC scoring event.

Chris Ingram was planning to start on Acropolis Rally.

[PLuto]

It doesn't make sense for a manufacturer team not to register itself. Unregistered drivers don't drive qualification and can't select starting position. They run only behind ERC3.

Maybe it's a mistake in the entry list or maybe they will register later (if it's possible)?

With Juuson Nordgren it was a mistake by FIA, it was corrected, he has ERC1 priority. Yuriy Protasov doesnt have enough budget, so he prefers to keep money for registration for race...

[RS]

Nordgren is a real surprise. Is this a Skoda Motorsport entry or a private venture?

[the sniper]

Got to be private, surely. Great to see him entered. Him doing it makes a lot of sense really, the experience will be really valuable considering how little he has.

I wonder whether he'll do Cyprus too? Aren't the two fairly conveniently linked logistics wise to encourage people to do both?

[PLuto]

It is private entry, but I think there is also support from Skoda. And plan is to do more events, not only Acropolis ;)

[RS]

Which team is running him?

A nice addition to this rally and the series and good for Jusso to get more mileage.

I would expect him to fight near the front.

[Antreas]

Juuso Nordgren is registered for ERC1 after the publication on entry list

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Chris Ingram was planning to start on Acropolis Rally.

Why when its not an U28 rally and he is short of funds ?

(BTW, he has gone to Istanbul to see a medical specialist...)

[PLuto]

Juuso Nordgren is registered for ERC1 after the publication on entry list

He was registered in time, more than week before publication of the entry list. It was mistake from FIA it was not noticed on entry list.

[PLuto]

Why when its not an U28 rally and he is short of funds ?

(BTW, he has gone to Istanbul to see a medical specialist...)

Why not? He can do also events out of U28 ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why not ?

£€£€£€£...

[PLuto]

£€£€£€£...

I know this logical exercises. So it continues ...€£€£€£ http://www.mothering.com/forum/images/smilies/peace.gif

[PLuto]

With Juuson Nordgren it was a mistake by FIA, it was corrected, he has ERC1 priority. Yuriy Protasov doesnt have enough budget, so he prefers to keep money for registration for race...

Situation is changing and Protasov is also working on registration.

[atsiotras79]

Why not? He can do also events out of U28 ;)

You are being so political sometimes. 😊
Because with top result in Acropolis he could have a shot for the overall title.
Even with not so good result in Acropolis he will gain experience for full assault next year.
Does anybody believe that Ingram’s mentality is different?

[pucky54]

Situation is changing and Protasov is also working on registration.

Done!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

You are being so political sometimes.
Because with top result in Acropolis he could have a shot for the overall title.
Even with not so good result in Acropolis he will gain experience for full assault next year.
Does anybody believe that Ingram’s mentality is different?

Why does no-one get it ?? Ingram only has limited funding and so cannot do all events. He will be just aiming for the U28 title which has fewer scoring events and carries a good prize.

His last statement was: "The focus now is getting my health back to 100% and being ready to fight back on the next ERC U28 scoring round in Rome."

[PLuto]

Why does no-one get it ?? Ingram only has limited funding and so cannot do all events. He will be just aiming for the U28 title which has fewer scoring events and carries a good prize.

His last statement was: "The focus now is getting my health back to 100% and being ready to fight back on the next ERC U28 scoring round in Rome."

I dont know what you are trying to dig here. There is no place for speculation - he was planning to do Acropolis Rally, despite it is not U28. But due to health problems he is forced to miss this event. Simple, no need to add more...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He said before Canarias that IF he could beat Lukyanuk there, he would have to consider the overall Championship, not just U28.
But we know what happened there...

Chris and I follow each other on social media and I sometimes discuss things with him and he said nothing about planning to do Acropolis all along.

Maybe it was a last minute decision to get more practice (especially after little seat time in Canarias) but that isnt 'planning'. If he was always going to do it from the start of the season, that is planning.

So basically he would've done Acropolis only really after having the issue at Canarias, but then couldnt due to his health anyway. The 'plan' could not have been for more than a few days...

My other confusion is terms of finance - after his Canarias practice crash he said, 'No regrets apart from my wallet is pretty empty !'
So he clearly doesnt have much money to go to unnecessary events.

[PLuto]

He said before Canarias that IF he could beat Lukyanuk there, he would have to consider the overall Championship, not just U28.
But we know what happened there...

Chris and I follow each other on social media and I sometimes discuss things with him and he said nothing about planning to do Acropolis all along.

Maybe it was a last minute decision to get more practice (especially after little seat time in Canarias) but that isnt 'planning'. If he was always going to do it from the start of the season, that is planning.

So basically he would've done Acropolis only really after having the issue at Canarias, but then couldnt due to his health anyway. The 'plan' could not have been for more than a few days...

My other confusion is terms of finance - after his Canarias practice crash he said, 'No regrets apart from my wallet is pretty empty !'
So he clearly doesnt have much money to go to unnecessary events.

Sorry, I still dont know what you are trying here. Situation with him was not easy, especially with money. But he has plans from beginning of the season, of course it should depends on the results and all other things. Not always is the best to put all plans for public soon, especially in this years, with very fast ways with sharing informations... His plan to start on Acropolis was for sure set before Azores and if he will be healthy now (also after problems on Canarias), for sure he will start in Acropolis. Everything was ready (entry form, test, accomodation, car etc), but his health condition didnt allowed it. I hope he will recover soon and will be able to return back to ERC as soon as possible.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

His plan to start on Acropolis was for sure set before Azores and if he will be healthy now... for sure he will start in Acropolis. Everything was ready (entry form, test, accomodation, car etc)

How did you find this information ?

[Mirek]

Eddie, everyone who has something to do with ERC knows Pluto and Pluto knows basically everyone who has something to do with ERC.

[N.O.T]

How did you find this information ?

LOL...

maybe he follows him on social media... LOL

[RS]

For those who wish to know, Nordgren is driving the car of Wevers Sport this weekend.

[mousti]

Eddie, everyone who has something to do with ERC knows Pluto and Pluto knows basically everyone who has something to do with ERC.Indeed! Never doubt Pluto, believe me

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[atsiotras79]

How did you find this information ?

If it wasn’t planned, why is Ingram’s car in Greece?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If it wasn’t planned, why is Ingram’s car in Greece?

His team is there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Indeed! Never doubt Pluto, believe me

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He has info I just wish he'd share the source instead of just making statements...

[Jarek Z]

Nordgren is a real surprise. Is this a Skoda Motorsport entry or a private venture?

According to this article he has support from Skoda Motorsport:
https://www.fiaerc.com/experience-search-nordgren-set-for-erc-debut/

[atsiotras79]

His team is there.

And every team carry all of their cars to every event for what reason?

[Franky]

And every team carry all of their cars to every event for what reason?

Obviously for fun and to burn money

[PLuto]

Hey, boys, stop this discussion. I was trying to contact Fast Eddie by PM, but no answering. I know lot of informations, which are not for public. It is on the crews and team members to publish that informations. And sometimes this plans fails... That second car in the truck for Chris is inside, because truck is going immediatelly after Acropolis to ferry to Cyprus. And Chris was supposed to do both - Acropolis and Cyprus. Decision about his start in Cyprus will be according to his health conditions (he is currently in Istanbul on medical inspection). Why I am writing it now? Because it was published on social media by team members :)

So we can return back to Acropolis Rally :)

[pantealex]

According to this article he has support from Skoda Motorsport:
https://www.fiaerc.com/experience-search-nordgren-set-for-erc-debut/

Well, Nordgren works for Skoda Motorsport... Factory driver as we use to say.

[Jarek Z]

A video from pre-event tests:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P6-WUWIbxE

[Mirek]

Well, Nordgren works for Skoda Motorsport... Factory driver as we use to say.

It's a win win situation for all sides. Nordgren and whoever else gets experience, some private teams get credit and Škoda can say that it gives privateers as good cars as it uses itself.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hey, boys, stop this discussion. I was trying to contact Fast Eddie by PM, but no answering. I know lot of informations, which are not for public. It is on the crews and team members to publish that informations. And sometimes this plans fails... That second car in the truck for Chris is inside, because truck is going immediatelly after Acropolis to ferry to Cyprus. And Chris was supposed to do both - Acropolis and Cyprus. Decision about his start in Cyprus will be according to his health conditions (he is currently in Istanbul on medical inspection). Why I am writing it now? Because it was published on social media by team members :)

So we can return back to Acropolis Rally :)

Thanks. I have replied to your PM.

[dimviii]

drivers quotes after recce
http://www.acropolisrally.gr/2018/index.php/en/en-menu-home/30-root-english/en-cat-menu-media/en-cat-menu-media-press-releases/597-reconnaissance-drivers-review-the-special-stages

[bomber21]

I will follow the rally this year as well. I will attend SS1 and then head to Lamia for the rest SS on Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully I will be able to provide some pics!

[PLuto]

This time I will be missing in Greece, after many years I will follow it only from home through computer...

[PLuto]

Who didnt do pickems for Acropolis, today is deadline - link HERE (http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?39914-Pickem!-2018-Acropolis-Rally)

[atsiotras79]

This time I will be missing in Greece, after many years I will follow it only from home through computer...

I am not concerned about you. 😂
Is like you are here.
Even though you are not, I hear your name all the time 😉

[PLuto]

First cars finally on the road of free practice. Results here: https://rally-base.com/2018/eko-acropolis-rally-2018/?ssGroupId=3

[dimviii]

This time I will be missing in Greece, after many years I will follow it only from home through computer...
i was looking for you at service park at Tuesday.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nordgren beats Lukyanuk in Qualification by 0.02 sec !!

He was well after him on the road though...

[N.O.T]

Nordgren beats Lukyanuk in Qualification by 0.02 sec !!

He was well after him on the road though...

the stage was run as shakedown, fp1 and fp2... the road was clear.

[dimviii]

Qualifying Stage winner Juuso Nordgren earned the honour of picking road order first thanks to his fastest time, selecting P12 in the order with a specific strategy in mind.

more
https://www.fiaerc.com/nobre-to-lead-erc-field-into-leg-one-of-eko-acropolis-rally/


https://scontent.fath4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34107130_2159456047404323_3911064839702708224_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=3dbdd0b8377fe28b71e9997a8a8ad2b1&oe=5B776CCE

[dimviii]

qualifying highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaOyKkjEr2o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr_bSPvnb7c

[RS]

Qualifying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaOyKkjEr2o

Lukyanuk has Seajets sponsorship for this event too.

Nordgren should be quick - when he wasn't with punctures in Portugal his times were close to Tidemand's. Will be interesting to see if Luky can maintain his 2018 composure with some more competition here in Greece.

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKjOlzxFdZE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2P7vENf5Dw

[dimviii]

http://www.acropolisrally.gr/2018/index.php/gr/gr-menu-gallery/gr-acro2018-qualifying-stage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Qualifying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaOyKkjEr2o



The road looks dirtier for Lukyanuk than Nordgren on this video.

https://i.imgur.com/flhcdeD.jpg

[Sulland]

Any place they publish the tyrebrand the drivers use?

[PLuto]

Any place they publish the tyrebrand the drivers use?

No. It is free to use any (homologated) brand in ERC. You can use one brand on the first loop and different brand in second loop.

But there is one help - if you look on corners of the cars, they have usually there sticker of their tyre brand...

[PLuto]

Onboard of Lukasz Habaj from qualify (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UC_ZdrOSR0)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SSS on local TV... anyone know the channels ?

[hari]

SS1 live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBxbnSwOrxE

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Front puncture for Luky on the SSS !

12s lost and he now has no spare for SS2, the 30km stage...

[N.O.T]

you are very lucky you cannot understand greek.... the casters are cancer....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/1002536693482827776

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Must be a Russian problem ... (17 - Remennik Sergei / Rozin Mark): puncture

[bomber21]

http://webtv.ert.gr/ert2-live/
Live

[Hartusvuori]

Front puncture for Luky on the SSS !

12s lost and he now has no spare for SS2, the 30km stage...

He had a spare. https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/1002539149390438400

[RS]

Have to hope Luky can get through SS2 puncture free then or it's game over.

[N.O.T]

He had a spare. https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/1002539149390438400

he said they had no spare... maybe he put the tyre back in the rim and inflated it.

[Hartusvuori]

I have not listened to any broadcast. But the tyre Arnautov is carrying looks mint.

[N.O.T]

I have not listened to any broadcast. But the tyre Arnautov is carrying looks mint.

this is what rallybase has as a comment

(1 - Lukyanuk Alexey / Arnautov Alexey): In first corner tyre went of the rim. Now we have zero spare...

[PLuto]

this is what rallybase has as a comment

(1 - Lukyanuk Alexey / Arnautov Alexey): In first corner tyre went of the rim. Now we have zero spare...

He means that NOW, after that puncture, he has no more spare. According to rules, you must have in a car at least one spare all the time during the rally.

[RS]

Would probably be wise to take two spares on this event, especially Michelin runners seeing what happened in Portugal (or are they different tyres in ERC?)

[PLuto]

Would probably be wise to take two spares on this event, especially Michelin runners seeing what happened in Portugal (or are they different tyres in ERC?)

Tyres for ERC could be different, but I am not sure if they are. It is wise to take two spares on this event, but not for today, when there is only one proper stage. I think they didnt expected to take puncture on SSS...

[N.O.T]

the super special is empty of spectators... wow.

[Mirek]

Would probably be wise to take two spares on this event, especially Michelin runners seeing what happened in Portugal (or are they different tyres in ERC?)

For a section of SSS and only one stage? Why?

[bomber21]

All spectators are in the stands, noone close to the SSS.

[PLuto]

This is how it looks like for spectators (picture from last year)

https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/19055589_10212828836373776_1638915977364661536_o.j pg?_nc_cat=0&oh=72e6f30b2ab39b9249b59e67f94f27f5&oe=5BBB9046

[Mirek]

And where is the stage on that picture?

[N.O.T]

so they basically see clouds of dust... nice.

[N.O.T]

And where is the stage on that picture?

the stage is in the green flat section in the middle, the picture is probably before it was constructed.

[PLuto]

Yes, N.O.T. is correct. Stage was build this year again.

[Jarek Z]

He means that NOW, after that puncture, he has no more spare.

Exactly. According to the article at https://www.fiaerc.com/lukyanuk-suffers-puncture-in-eko-acropolis-rallys-opening-erc-stage/ Lukyanuk said:
“Now I have zero spares,” he remarked, indicating he was carrying only a single spare tyre to last him for both of this afternoon’s stages. He now faces the 30.53 kilometre Thiva test without any further spares in case of a puncture.

https://www.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LukyanukPunctureSS1Acropolis-e1527859001101.jpeg

[Essaj]

Lukyanuk blew everyone out. Now whos going to come 2nd?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow what a time by Luky !

[Jarek Z]

Something must be wrong with the other drivers. They must be carrying too many spare tires and their cars are too heavy :D

[Mirek]

Lukyanuk blew everyone out. Now whos going to come 2nd?

And that's it ladies and gentlemen...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And that's it ladies and gentlemen...

And no U28 battle here either...

[PLuto]

I think that here will be nice fight for first place between "others" :)

[Sulland]

Really impressed with the russian on SS2. He has always been quick, sometimes too quick for his own good.
If he now continues to pull times like this, and still able to reach the goal on ss12, and repeat it for the most of the ERC, he is ready for a seat in WRC!

[Mirek]

He is 37 years old. To succeed in WRC he would need two seasons to learn the events and by that time he would be really ready he is going to be 40 already. Unfortunately it's too late for him.

[dimviii]

just came back from Thiva.
Choosed a very fast downhill straight(almost) for about 300 meters and very wide road,with a fast right.The brakes at the downhill from about 160-170 km/h were amazing.
Luky from another planet at this point,braked very late,he flicked the car using all the wide road,and turned sideways.
Other nice passes were Ptaszek Nordgren and Tsouloftas(excellent pass,one late brake,and with one move he steered)
Brynildsen braked and accelerated 2-3 times.

Luky was on different league.This guy must drive at wrc.He havent got to gain something ar erc.Neither us.

[dimviii]

the stage is in the green flat section in the middle, the picture is probably before it was constructed.

https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34180069_2160743193942275_3929726167661150208_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=176608497d8a70feb658e5d23b835f53&oe=5BC16E23

[PLuto]

Almost same picture like mine ;)

[Kestask]

Lucky must drive full season in WRC2

[eib1]

Lukyanuk Alexey - Arnautov Alexey

"I was in stage mode as we lost a lot of seconds and we needed to get some time back."

1 Lukyanuk
2 Brynildsen +44.5

just wow

[RS]

Leg one recap: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OG_2mGGaeQI#fauxfullscreen

[dimviii]

from Lukys facebook

Alexey Lukyaniuk, the pilot:
"The first stage was the racetrack - a field where the grader had just cut two kilometers of the track and, when we drove, in the first turn in a harmless hole, they rested on the front wheel and the tire got off the drive. We drove somehow these two kilometers, lost 12 seconds to a better time, and I was upset, of course. Because it was clear that on Saturday the starting position is determined by the position on Friday and it was necessary for 30 kilometers somehow to play a backlog in order to rise in the results for the day. Well, here we go! I do not know what others did because I was sometimes cautious, sometimes I drove normally. We have written a very good transcript and it's great that we quickly go from the first pass to a new stage for everyone - this road has never been used. Well, I'm happy with the settings of the car, we "clicked" a bit after the qualification. It's good that the tires did not get off the wheels again. So that…. Of course, I'm tired pretty much, I already at the end have my hands ached ... when we finished we felt like we were working! But it was worth it, we have a good reserve and a good mood. Everything is super! "

small clip
https://www.facebook.com/lukyanuk/videos/1006803116145603/



https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34031961_1006261529533095_2344747729218961408_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=bac076ea8843ef4c3deff53954d428a2&oe=5BBA9F70
https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33990120_1006261459533102_5945951891358744576_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=1d5e5d9c86d20049c45c16a69d9698e3&oe=5BC2D5AC

[Jarek Z]

Onboard of Lukasz Habaj from qualify

This link doesn't work for me, so I paste it again for all the lovers of onboard videos with data ;)
Lukasz Habaj (Ford Fiesta R5) on the Qualifying Stage. Too bad he crashed already on the second stage and damaged the radiator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UC_ZdrOSR0

[bomber21]

Just found a good spot in SS3. Much bigger crowd here than previous years and it feels good.

[Mirek]

Nordgren puncture on SS3 and the battle for second looks over as well. Let's see what else happens.

[PLuto]

Nordgren puncture on SS3 and the battle for second looks over as well. Let's see what else happens.

Too early to predict this. With difficult and rough stages on Acropolis, it is not so difficult to try more risky and faster speed than others, if you need. Juuso has nothing to loose now.

[TWRC]

Luky stopped

Edit: Brynildsen too, Protasov with puncture

[EstWRC]

what a surprise...


im a huge fan of his but he always leaves you disappointed

[bomber21]

https://couss43.tumblr.com/post/174493809828/rally-acropolis-2018-ss3

[dimviii]

broken wheel for Luky,Brynildsen stopped,Protason changed a wheel.
Acropolis at its finest.

[TWRC]

Luky moves again, Nordgren apparently with double rear puncture and broken suspension...

[Essaj]

Nordgren prop done for the day, that's 3 punctures and he cant have spare for all of them

[dimviii]

FIA ERC
We're experiencing timing issues in SS4, but the news keep coming in... @AlexeyLukyanuk and @E_Brynildsen appear to be moving again on the tracking system.

[dimviii]

in case you wonder why so many punctures
https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/1002814467430903808

[RS]

This is turning into as much of a joke as WRC2 Portugal.

Did Michelin change their gravel tyres for this year?

[Mirek]

in case you wonder why so many punctures
https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/1002814467430903808

Isn't that a little bit too much?

[dimviii]

Isn't that a little bit too much?

you can find more rough stage parts.Some stages ,or parts of stages,always were like that.

[mousti]

U would almost think this rally is a lottery like Monte Carlo

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[dimviii]

Nordgren
https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/1002844857969315840

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And that's it ladies and gentlemen...

Maybe not.

The Russian Rocket @AlexeyLukyanuk made it to the finish with one broken driveshaft. He lost over 19 minutes!

#FIAERC #EkoAcropolisRally #GotTalentProveIt

[aykutbilir]

This stage is totally ridicilious. This not rally total survival!.
There is no FIA legal tyre to compete here!


Tapatalk kullanarak iPhone araclyla gönderildi

[Fast Eddie WRC]

flash info (1 - Lukyanuk Alexey / Arnautov Alexey): Something like in Azores last year. I tried to go more carefuly and slowly and hit something inside the corner. One driveshaft is broken now, we have to discuss with the team.

[pantealex]

Some drivers did get zero (0) punctures, you just have to drive slow enough. This is Acropolis.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bruno Magalhães was really careful to avoid punctures on SS4 and is now the rally leader !

[PLuto]

This stage is totally ridicilious. This not rally total survival!.
There is no FIA legal tyre to compete here!


Tapatalk kullanarak iPhone araclyla gönderildi

But this is Acropolis. And always was. Very rough, not so much about speed, but mainly about to survive.

[Sulland]

in case you wonder why so many punctures
https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/1002814467430903808

Rally used to be "Adapt the speed to the conditions" and not full speed most of the time.
As an oldie, I think this is a useful experience, and adds to the note writing education.

[aykutbilir]

But this is Acropolis. And always was. Very rough, not so much about speed, but mainly about to survive.

I know Pluto but it is getting rougher every year


Tapatalk kullanarak iPhone araclyla gönderildi

[Jarek Z]

But this is Acropolis. And always was. Very rough, not so much about speed, but mainly about to survive.

But can we still call it a rally sport event or is it some kind of a survival event? Something is wrong when the slowest driver leads, isn't it?

[Jarek Z]

The Russian Rocket @AlexeyLukyanuk made it to the finish with one broken driveshaft. He lost over 19 minutes!

Rally-base.com say that Lukyanuk retired after SS 4. Is it true?

[mousti]

I think Serderidis will make the top 5 like that

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[dimviii]

But this is Acropolis. And always was. Very rough, not so much about speed, but mainly about to survive.

yes its a bit different from smoth rallies that almost it about speed.You have to find the sweet spot how fast,where to push etc.

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2006/wrc/acr/pl_a_5_solbergp_1.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2006/wrc/acr/pl_a_5_atkinson_2.jpg

[Jarek Z]

This link doesn't work for me, so I paste it again for all the lovers of onboard videos with data ;)
Lukasz Habaj (Ford Fiesta R5) on the Qualifying Stage. Too bad he crashed already on the second stage and damaged the radiator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UC_ZdrOSR0

Great to see that Habaj's mechanics managed to repair the car. They worked until 2 AM to allow Habaj to re-start the rally:
https://www.fiaerc.com/habaj-ready-to-rock-again-in-the-erc/

[Mirek]

you can find more rough stage parts.Some stages ,or parts of stages,always were like that.


But this is Acropolis. And always was. Very rough, not so much about speed, but mainly about to survive.


Some drivers did get zero (0) punctures, you just have to drive slow enough. This is Acropolis.

Yes but it's also a primary reason why there is not the U27 there or why there is not larger interest in the rally among more teams. And also a primary reason why I don't enjoy following the event, sorry (not only this year).

[dimviii]

But can we still call it a rally sport event or is it some kind of a survival event? Something is wrong when the slowest driver leads, isn't it?

most of drivers at wrc are inexperienced.They havent competed at plenty events outside their homeland.
Drosochori stage is run for decades,its not something a new stage.

[Jarek Z]

Yes but it's also a primary reason why there is not the U27 there or why there is not larger interest in the rally among more teams. And also a primary reason why I don't enjoy following the event, sorry (not only this year).

It's basically a car killer:

Habaj Łukasz: "The car is working, but the conditions are really tough, killing the car. We tried to go continuously and easy. I think after this rally we have to change a lot of parts in the car."

Brynildsen Eyvind: "The road is so rough, I have never seen something like that."

Magalhães Bruno: "This is all about surviving. I have never seen in my life something like that. It wasn't so rough previous year, the rocks are everywhere. Enjoying, but suffering in once."

[dimviii]

Yes but it's also a primary reason why there is not the U27 there or why there is not larger interest in the rally among more teams. And also a primary reason why I don't enjoy following the event, sorry (not only this year).

these drivers are not choosed Acropolis because it is ''rough'' if they step at next level,they will find similar rocks and rough situations at other wrc events.
You have to know how to survive.
Rally is not only about Fin and Estonian smooth stages.
Except that are not all stages rough.Yesterdays stage Thiva is smooth and wide for example.
You choose where to push.

[PLuto]

Rally-base.com say that Lukyanuk retired after SS 4. Is it true?

Yes, it is true. For today.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Despite Lukyanuk losing the rally, Maghalhaes now has a bigger lead than he had ...

But with this event anything can still happen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-leaders-caught-out-by-punishing-acropolis-roads/

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DerU-xDXkAAwg78.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DerRWdvWkAEShJG.jpg

Can you take more than 2 spares ? ;)

[PLuto]

Of course so rough road affect the entry list. But I like to have also similar events, where it is not only about speed, but mainly about endurance. Because I think that rally in this age is so much focused to speed, there is less kms of SS on each event... So one similar event is good to have in championship. To show the drivers they dont need only to push, but also to think.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Are these local and historic cars also doing today's stages... I feel sorry for them if they are.

https://i.imgur.com/jbsrpuR.jpg

http://acropolisrally.gr/2018/index.php/gr/gr-menu-gallery/acro2018-leg1-gallery/acro2018-ss2-thiva#gallery4a0393405a-61

[PLuto]

Are these local and historic cars also doing today's stages... I feel sorry for them if they are.

https://i.imgur.com/jbsrpuR.jpg

http://acropolisrally.gr/2018/index.php/gr/gr-menu-gallery/acro2018-leg1-gallery/acro2018-ss2-thiva#gallery4a0393405a-61

Yes, they are doing. Like every year. No problems for them.

[Jarek Z]

Habaj's crash on SS2, a stupid mistake, isn't it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQyrneoZBe4

[Ucci]

Habaj's crash on SS2, a stupid mistake, isn't it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQyrneoZBe4

indeed

[Jarek Z]

Lukyanuk says he may restart the rally tomorrow:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-eko-acropolis-rally-qa-alexey-lukyanuk/

[atsiotras79]

Lukyanuk says he may restart the rally tomorrow:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-eko-acropolis-rally-qa-alexey-lukyanuk/

Both Lucas and Nordgren are starting tomorrow.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes, they are doing. Like every year. No problems for them.

Do you know where I can find their results ?

[GravelBen]

Habaj's crash on SS2, a stupid mistake, isn't it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQyrneoZBe4

Looks a bit silly - missed a note?

[Jarek Z]

Looks a bit silly - missed a note?

Find the explanation here :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/habaj-ready-to-rock-again-in-the-erc/

[N.O.T]

Habaj's crash on SS2, a stupid mistake, isn't it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQyrneoZBe4

pretty much sums up the level of ERC at the moment...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS7 to start 17.33 local time. Repeat of the rocky one.

[PLuto]

Nordgren make mistake on same place like Habaj

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY5EW7RaJAM

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Everyone seems to have got through SS7 this time. However...

@Karlip1
This is what SS8 of @AcropolisRally looks like right now. Tough for the drivers, more so on the tyres. @FIAERC (Photo: Tolis Palotos) #FIAERC

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DesjHH_X0AAelie.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Grzyb the first victim - broken wheel.

[dimviii]

Luky incar at ss 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW2iF8wjedo

[dimviii]

Grzyb the first victim - broken wheel.

Habaj and Avcioglu too.Later with broken suspension but finished

[macebig]

Here you can find National results live:http://timing.sporttraxx.com/races/acropolis-nat-2018/#results/6

[PLuto]

It was nice fight for second place in leg 2 between Habaj, Grzyb and Herczig. Difference of all three were only 4 secs before last stage. Only Herczig finished without problems...

[Jarek Z]

It was nice fight for second place in leg 2 between Habaj, Grzyb and Herczig. Difference of all three were only 4 secs before last stage. Only Herczig finished without problems...

Nice fight? It's a lottery. Whoever finishes without broken suspension or a puncture is the winner.

[Rally Power]

Something is wrong when the slowest driver leads, isn't it?

What’s wrong? Aren’t the stages the same for everybody? Do you really believe the other guys currently behind Magalhães are faster than him? He had the pace to fight with Brynildsen and Nordgen for the podium and managed to be the best placed driver to profit from Luky problems (like Kajto was many times in the past seasons). He totally deserves to be at the lead.

Still a long way to go. Fingers crossed. Força Bruno, Força Hugo!

[Jarek Z]

Nordgren make mistake on same place like Habaj

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY5EW7RaJAM

Indeed, but he turned out to be a better driver and chose a better way out of trouble.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

To be fair, Magalhaes was the fastest through the rough stage (SS4) despite saying he was extra careful to avoid the rocks and punctures.

Smart as well as fast.

[Jarek Z]

To be fair, Magalhaes was the fastest through the rough stage (SS4) despite saying he was extra careful to avoid the rocks and punctures.

Smart as well as fast.

Yes. Let's hope he continues like that tomorrow!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Magalhaes very slow in the first stage today. Should still be ok but its a worry if he's lost confidence.

Good pushes by some others fighting for the leg 3 points.

[TWRC]

Magalhaes very slow in the first stage today. Should still be ok but its a worry if he's lost confidence.

Good pushes by some others fighting for the leg 3 points.
And Luky started the day by hitting trees... :D Fortunately it wasn't serious. Will be interesting how everybody manages their gaps. Magalhaes lost a lot to Herczig, but it is possible he is saving the car for the final two stages.

[KKS]

Looks like only Brynildsen have fighting position for today

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks like only Brynildsen have fighting position for today

Up to 4th now.

A great time by Luky on SS10. Speed-wise he's a different class.

[bomber21]

Brynildsen is flying in Grammeni 2!

[bomber21]

And spectators safety is a joke..........

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bruno Magalhaes safely through. One to go and he really needs to get there for the win and points to try to catch Lukyanuk.

But if Lukyanuk doesnt win the Title this year it will be ridiculous and his own fault.

[PLuto]

Bruno did it! And in our pickems competition, nobody put him to first place ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bruno Magalhães wins. Smart drive pays off.

[Sulland]

Brynildsen able to keep the 4th, with only fwd on last stage and issues with backdiff all of the last day.
But again the russian is in his own league when the Fiesta works.
But still Fabia seems to be the car to have.
If you as a driver are able to master it, then it generally seems as the fastest R5.

Also seems like Pirelli has better options for R5.

[PLuto]

Brynildsen able to keep the 4th, with only fwd on last stage and issues with backdiff all of the last day.
But again the russian is in his own league when the Fiesta works.
But still Fabia seems to be the car to have.
If you as a driver are able to master it, then it generally seems as the fastest R5.

Also seems like Pirelli has better options for R5.

I think it is more about driver than about the car. Each car suits differently to every driver. If you look here, Lucas was different league. Nordgren was able to make good times, also Habaj was usually between the fastest. Brynildsen also on top. And also Tsoulotfas was able to be fast with "crappy" Citroen :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Top two fastest guys in recent years, Kajto and Lukyanuk, both use Ford Fiesta R5's.

Other driver's are choosing Škoda's for their own reasons.

[PLuto]

Mistake of Herczig on SS 10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bt0IUzdPW0

[N.O.T]

I feel sorry for the specators... thank god that there is no ticket to watch these amateur level drivers go through all this...

[RS]

Good job by Magalhaes. It was an intelligent drive, but personally I found the problems and punctures ruined this rally as someone following it.

All in favour of diversity of events, but maybe Acropolis and Cyprus in a short championship is a bit much.

[N.O.T]

Good job by Magalhaes. It was an intelligent drive, but personally I found the problems and punctures ruined this rally as someone following it.

All in favour of diversity of events, but maybe Acropolis and Cyprus in a short championship is a bit much.

They are good rallies to have if the competition is high... a bit of drama never hurt anyone.

But in ERC where you have 1 proper driver and then an assortment of disgraces for the sport in R5s then it becomes bad...

[PLuto]

Good job by Magalhaes. It was an intelligent drive, but personally I found the problems and punctures ruined this rally as someone following it.

All in favour of diversity of events, but maybe Acropolis and Cyprus in a short championship is a bit much.

It is good if there are events where it is not only about speed, but also about thinking and driving more carefully. But I agree that it should be enough to have only one of those so rough events in the calendar. We will see next year...

[PLuto]

They are good rallies to have if the competition is high... a bit of drama never hurt anyone.

But in ERC where you have 1 proper driver and then an assortment of disgraces for the sport in R5s then it becomes bad...

Bullshit, like usually from you. No sense to any reaction to these words ;)

[PLuto]

But there is more interesting topic to discuss about Acropolis. Efthimios Halkias was excluded after final scrutineering due to fuel cell ventilation valve tampered...

[PLuto]

Here is the reason of exlusion.

[dimviii]

excluded from a missing ball from fuel cell ventilation hose?
are there any advantages from that?

[PLuto]

excluded from a missing ball from fuel cell ventilation hose?
are there any advantages from that?

Yes, one big advantage. Your car will not catch fire...

[dimviii]

Yes, one big advantage. Your car will not catch fire...

with the ball installed if i undesrtood right?

[Jarek Z]

They are good rallies to have if the competition is high...

...which means that those rallies make sense in WRC only.

In ERC the level of competition will not be higher and the level in Greek and Cyprus championship is extremely low...

[N.O.T]

...which means that those rallies make sense in WRC only.

In ERC the level of competition will not be higher and the level in Greek and Cyprus championship is extremely low...

extactly...

I think calling the level of greek rally drivers extremely low is actually an overstatement...

[Jarek Z]

But still Fabia seems to be the car to have.

Really?

ERC 2017:
Skoda Fabia R5 - number of wins: 3 (out of 8 rallies)
Ford Fiesta R5 - number of wins: 5 (out of 8 rallies)

ERC 2018:
Skoda Fabia R5 - number of wins so far: 1 (out of 3 rallies)
Ford Fiesta R5 - number of wins so far: 2 (out of 3 rallies)

It's a matter of drivers, really. Whatever car Kajto, Lukyanuk or Bouffier drive, wins :)

[PLuto]

Really?

ERC 2017:
Skoda Fabia R5 - number of wins: 3 (out of 8 rallies)
Ford Fiesta R5 - number of wins: 5 (out of 8 rallies)

ERC 2018:
Skoda Fabia R5 - number of wins so far: 1 (out of 3 rallies)
Ford Fiesta R5 - number of wins so far: 2 (out of 3 rallies)

It's a matter of drivers, really. Whatever car Kajto, Lukyanuk or Bouffier drive, wins :)

For example Bouffier was fastest with Citroen DS3 R5 :)

[Rally Power]

Congrats to Bruno, Hugo and ARC Sport for this deserved win; it’d be great to see them repeating P1 on Cyprus Rally. Força Campeões!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Surely there should be tyres able to better withstand these rough rallies ?

It would be good to see driver's able to test their speed and car set-up and suspension here, rather than mainly who can best protect their tyres...

[RS]

Surely there should be tyres able to better withstand these rough rallies ?

It would be good to see driver's able to test their speed and car set-up and suspension here, rather than mainly who can best protect their tyres...

I agree.. of course you are always going to get more punctures on an event such as this but here (and in Portugal WRC2) it was excessive, and I fear the same again in Cyprus and Sardinia.

Maybe someone can tell us, do they really use the same tyres here as they would use in Finland, or New Zealand for example?

[Mirek]

Surely there should be tyres able to better withstand these rough rallies ?

It would be good to see driver's able to test their speed and car set-up and suspension here, rather than mainly who can best protect their tyres...

Anything is possible but there is one principal issue with that - without proper involvement of the works teams tyre manufacturers won't bother to prepare anything special. But people are calling for ERC to be a privateer championship and that simply means that the teams are bound to use what is possible to buy from the shelf.

That's why I also think that it would be good for the organizers to rethink the route and consider skipping some of the roughest sections. The works teams can cope with that for sure (remember Škoda Dakar-like setups for IRC Rally Sibiu for example) but for the privateers it's more or less an expensive lottery.

[Lehus]

Maybe someone can tell us, do they really use the same tyres here as they would use in Finland, or New Zealand for example?
Actually there are no other options. You have few tires to choose from, and have to figure out how to survive in different conditions.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The experience of Magalhaes paid off here re tyres and the others need to learn the lesson.

Luky was also trying to be more careful with the tyres and slowed down, but maybe this caused another problem - a drop in concentration...

[dimviii]

Actually there are no other options. You have few tires to choose from, and have to figure out how to survive in different conditions.

Congrats fr your pass at 13,2 km of Thiva.
World class pass!

[bomber21]

1603

[bomber21]

1604

These are two pics I took from Acropolis Rally. First is from SS Grammeni an second from SS Amfissa.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That was the last Acropolis.... :(

https://greece.greekreporter.com/2018/11/26/acropolis-rally-ends-after-67-years-of-glory

[atsiotras79]

Putting aside that our exclusion from the calendar was fair, where the .... was he, the years before to write just even one sentence about the event. I hate this kind of media, they appear only when they smell pain and loss...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bad news always sells...

[atsiotras79]

So the point of putting this here?
90% of the people in here know exactly and in very detail the reasons why Acropolis Rally is out!
What does this article offer in here a month after the announcement?
“Bad organisation”, “no payments to FIA”, “no government support”... More unspecific it cannot get!

Tell him, great media work!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So the point of putting this here?
90% of the people in here know exactly and in very detail the reasons why Acropolis Rally is out!
What does this article offer in here a month after the announcement?
“Bad organisation”, “no payments to FIA”, “no government support”... More unspecific it cannot get!

Tell him, great media work!

To be honest I saw it posted on social media and I didnt realise the rally was already definitely finished.

See: https://twitter.com/Evan_Rothman/status/1067369004560457728

[Jarek Z]

So the point of putting this here?
90% of the people in here know exactly and in very detail the reasons why Acropolis Rally is out!

What's wrong with putting it here? Is it not what the forum is for?
I knew that Acropolis was out of ERC, but had no idea that it was completely over. I only learned about it now, thanks to Fast Eddie.

[atsiotras79]

Who said it’s completely over? The organisers claim that in 2020 it will be included in the calendar again. They just said that it will not be done in 2019... Get it now why this article is wrong?

[Jarek Z]

Who said it’s completely over? The organisers claim that in 2020 it will be included in the calendar again. They just said that it will not be done in 2019... Get it now why this article is wrong?

Yes, I do. The website I read said that it was completely over. Thanks for the update.

[atsiotras79]

No problem and I am sorry for the tone of my voice but we already have enough misery in this country in rallying with all the useless people in the federation we don’t need a few more articles like this...

[Rally Power]

Yep, to say Rally Acropolis is dead sounds stupid. Just like the Monte Carlo or the Safari, the Acropolis is more than just a rally: it’s a powerfull brand of this sport. It may be lost for some time, even a long time, but it’ll come back, hopefully sooner than later and stronger than before. Fingers crossed!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just heard the Absolute Rally podcast and they also just heard this news (saw the same tweet ?). They were also given the impression Acropolis was over for good...