[WRC] Acropolis Rally 2025

[Dimitris]

The Rally Guide 1 for the event has been released. Longest Acropolis since 2012, almost 100km of stages on Sunday, longest since Mexico in 2016!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1flxH5iat_g4lKQFXS8W7T8o-TfwarbBV/view

[jcevc]

Proper Sunday, 4 x almost 25 km stage... at least deserved points for Super Sunday and PS...

[Dimitris]

Maps for the event have been released:

https://www.acropolisrally.gr/2025/en/spectators/maps-sp

[Dimitris]

Aghii Theodoroi is the same as last year extended from the start
Loutraki is the same as last year
Thiva is more like 2021 with a new start
Stiri, combination of the old stage and the 2022 EHRC Distomo stage
Elatia - Rengini same as 2022

Pavliani and Inohori same as 2023/24
Karoutes same as 2023 with the Bauxites section removed

Tarzan same as ever
Smokovo brand new stage never used before in the rally

[stavrosGDB]

I will be at Smokovo this year!

[Dimitris]

2635

Map of the SSS. Will be at the city center, with the Ceremonial Start at the Panathenaic Stadium.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GsMGQO_WMAAzVRb?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GsMGQQbWYAA48NA?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GsMGQO7WcAAcB7h?format=jpg&name=large

[Dimitris]

A bit of a shame there's not many Greeks in Rally2s this year. Otherwise it's a decent entry list in terms of Rally1s and WRC2 regulars

[Dimitris]

My Acropolis Route Preview

https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-route-previews/2025/rally-acropolis-2025-route-preview

Had the pleasure of checking Stiri and Inohori out for myself this year, really looking forward to Stiri, will be a very nice stage, and also quite rough on the last few km

[Dimitris]

Neuville testing today in the old Loutraki SD stage

https://youtu.be/rfsjyIQPRFw?si=XarlESoYuu5HK03i

[PLuto]

Really strange. Rally starts in few days and almost nothing in this thread...

[TypeR]

Estonians and finnish have some kind of mid summer holiday at the moment :D
Should be big parties and grilling :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The forum being down recently may have made some think it was finished...

Hopefully they'll come back as the alternatives just aren't they same, regardless of being more 'modern'.

[MartijnS]

Friday very hot!

[Rallyper]

Really strange. Rally starts in few days and almost nothing in this thread...

A few lads are constantly posting on Discord, but gives me not so much. This forum is the old school and feels more adequate... hope though some more posts the more we are near the start of rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Friday very hot!

Yes, I've seen a forecast of over 40C.

It's going to be tough with the slower speed roads and especially in the Rally1 Cars which are hot inside anyway.

[EstWRC]

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/511160907_1156186896544548_7879538699404967149_n.j pg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=AA9PueLXQ8sQ7kNvwELsBS4&_nc_oc=Adlu8pqXrz49TB0CrDwRTGZ0fhbuW25Z3HVsuoWRbm1 KKhlAHnrxeXYulmpL7SeBAbutg3SmoHUSa5Mt7Azbb1Q5&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&_nc_gid=f_LvXt5JjOCbx6vI7CdTnw&oh=00_AfOC8nYUcfFfIc2P30X5j-Mv33lHO4h1nm4-MXIcZ9fwQQ&oe=68618424
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/511180041_1156186933211211_5555489418886256955_n.j pg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=TsMXNUGgFzkQ7kNvwEJf7bs&_nc_oc=Adl70nr1AW_6li11WCOOA3trMD8o-2cJPQhawT2P7KQ7vjKrnDOSPH-7Yr3vM2r1g-AlWVCRyErzUwEOE0ZdYHHN&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&_nc_gid=glK5-Urg0ZAq8laJ2ZqMPg&oh=00_AfPRUotLPH9nJIqpV3Jrm-cMpHkKXR08T_jqEhxPTwCnUw&oe=68619CFC
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/511264284_1156186929877878_6164577433779149037_n.j pg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=l-9B-AlLU7kQ7kNvwHzoMfj&_nc_oc=Adk_LyGLETlSAdOL3U6Xx2dAm0MHFEfta7V9i70yeBs NAfln9KmwcNj1J4XhMZjHRFK62f_ew2f1hOq5BRCXW5DY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&_nc_gid=wg-_rFSFgAihJaRl8tCOpA&oh=00_AfONfUa9OSqK2s6iJkN9nOxXfR1H7vSSDnxFwhncYbN2 Tw&oe=68618EAF
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/511161310_1156186849877886_3223920930348586413_n.j pg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=6KJfKejJ-ZEQ7kNvwGCzJS-&_nc_oc=AdmD9-JLjS_VM3_7iPNYXWuqWgit97goF4EhigFog-hfV2uz3R663JTaQpbAsAZcWnFMdKbHrI0wOCPCqSfrxKX1&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&_nc_gid=ZggH7m6P26olxRL4a_bQEw&oh=00_AfPKHWa1oLoVi-Ma1eyvrhAH_LU2z1u0XtXGd-fK0VzAwA&oe=68619A35

[EstWRC]

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/511193975_1128934322596152_8206145806872357281_n.j pg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=omnYMpBxn1sQ7kNvwEdhjz6&_nc_oc=AdntC4uc1NIOZOMDYFPvpiglZ69CbV8EP2uXg0OtZS8 d1z2L8ecy9oZrNQWlVgf9a_vmhIwthPgcECIbKYPigrVL&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&_nc_gid=3hJqUazUE0MLTPqZN2lOog&oh=00_AfPFQSVuSJypK60_GiCsqM8FX67FGUsao80Gqo4mxP6n HA&oe=6861A1ED

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier not afraid of running 2nd on the road ...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-not-afraid-of-increased-disadvantage/

[EstWRC]

Recce interviews https://youtu.be/ZVhVt6VX6NA?si=6MFj92fFJSVqrJrz

[TypeR]

Heikkila and Loubet not starting - withdrawn from startlist

[Managarium]

https://i.postimg.cc/VkbX3xTs/Snimka-zaslona-2025-06-25-191515.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[dimviii]

#33 Elfyn EVANS / Scott MARTIN

“It looks tough. Definitely some rough sections, as always in Acropolis, but maybe a bit worse than in recent years. The running order will probably make things more difficult, but overall, I think just finishing this Rally will be a big challenge.”


#69 Kalle ROVANPERÄ / Jonne HALTTUNEN

“It’s much rougher than in previous years. I think it’s because it’s so dry. There’s a lot of loose gravel, stones, and generally tough conditions. I believe survival will be more important than ever.”


#17 Sébastien OGIER / Vincent LANDAIS

“Very difficult stages. There are some really rough sections, with lots of stones everywhere. It’s going to be hard to get through the weekend without problems. I’d say it’s a bit of a lottery under these conditions – you’ll need some luck to avoid issues.”


#8 Ott TÄNAK / Martin JÄRVEOJA

“Some roads haven’t been repaired since last year and are in poor condition. But some stages, like the ones on Sunday, are in good shape. It will be hot and dusty, and the high temperatures will make the Rally even more demanding.”


#1 Thierry NEUVILLE / Martijn WYDAEGHE

“It’s very tough. In general, the stages are in bad condition with lots of loose rocks and stones. But that’s Acropolis – a real challenge. Sunday will be long and especially demanding. I think the risk of punctures is even higher this year. Our goal is to avoid problems and approach things more cautiously. But punctures can happen even if you’re not pushing. It’s definitely not an easy Rally.”


#18 Takamoto KATSUTA / Aaron JOHNSTON

“Some stages are a bit rougher than before. But Sunday is very long, and the new stage, Smokovo, is tricky and quite slippery. It will definitely be interesting.”


#16 Adrien FOURMAUX / Alexandre CORIA

“I think this will be the roughest Acropolis I’ve done. There’s no moisture at all, so everything is loose. There are rocks right in the middle of the road. It’s also going to be extremely hot, which will make things even more demanding inside the cockpit.”


#5 Sami PAJARI / Marko SALMINEN

“It’s a typical Acropolis – some really nice stages, and some very rough ones. Conditions change a lot. Some areas are clean, others have a lot of loose gravel and stones. It’s going to be a tough Rally, as Acropolis always is.”


#13 Grégoire MUNSTER / Louis LOUKA

“It’s rougher than in previous editions. I don’t know if it’s due to National Championship events or just because the roads haven’t been repaired. Some stages are really hard with lots of stones. The Power Stage and the new one, Smokovo, are better. Sunday seems softer overall, while the Loutraki stages are the roughest.”


#22 Mārtiņš SESKS / Renārs FRANCIS

“This is our first time here, and it’s going to be a huge challenge. From recce, it was hard to know where to push and where to protect the car from the rocks. It’s definitely going to be a very interesting challenge. This is the toughest Rally I’ve ever started, and it will be interesting to learn how to manage it properly.”


#20 Yohan ROSSEL / Arnaud DUNAND

“Some stages look like they did after the second pass last year. It’s going to be really hard on both the car and the drivers. I don’t know if we’re fully ready for this, but the plan is to avoid mistakes and not push 100%. That’s how I see it right now, but let’s see how things go.”


#21 Oliver SOLBERG / Elliott EDMONDSON

“This year’s Acropolis is very rough! Last time I was here, it rained a lot before the event, so the stages were softer. But now it’s hot and rough – and it’s going to be interesting. I’d say it’s rougher than Safari in some places!”


#49 Georgios-Alexandros AMOUTZAS / Ilias PANAGIOTOUNIS

“The stages are extremely rough. This year, it’s more about survival than speed. You have to be very cautious – even though we’re excited to be here, you can’t let enthusiasm get the better of you. We’ve prepared solid pace notes, and our aim is to maintain a steady rhythm without pushing too much. The car felt great during testing, and we’re really looking forward to the start of the Rally.”


#50 Epameinondas KARANIKOLAS / Georgios KAKAVAS

“The first day will be really tough. Reaching Lamia without issues will be a success in itself. The second day is better, but I think the stages will get rougher on the second pass. Tarzan and Smokovo are in great condition, though.”

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Recce interviews...

https://youtu.be/ZVhVt6VX6NA?si=RGgMSy1IAyxVexoT

[Tauri_J]

https://i.postimg.cc/VkbX3xTs/Snimka-zaslona-2025-06-25-191515.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Like in Indycar

[TypeR]

Considering that we are talking about WRC.. I bet it takes about 3 different jokers to use this helmet :D

[Dontcut]

Some really crazy liasion distance for the weekend - 1070kms! With that kind of heat with no AC.

[Rallyper]

Punctures will decide the rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some really crazy liasion distance for the weekend - 1070kms! With that kind of heat with no AC.

That's brutal !

Strange that Aaron Johnston said it wouldn't be as bad as (the long days) in Portugal.

[flat_right]

Punctures will decide the rally.

Really hope that this is not the case. Also I hope that organizers will extend the starting gaps because if it is true what Kalle said that the SD was a bit more open and they already had issues with dust, then it could be way more worse on the stages.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A few drivers were making a clear point to the organisers about the dust. And especially early in the day the low sun makes it look even worse.

[archie106]

The dust will be better tomorrow - 2 min gaps during shakedown, 3 mins during the actual stages.

[Dimitris]

That's brutal !

Strange that Aaron Johnston said it wouldn't be as bad as (the long days) in Portugal.


Because Portugal had 10 stages on Friday with no proper rest. Saturday and Sunday won't be as hot anyway.

[focus206]

Let's see if Hyundai can repeat what they did last year or if Toyota will continue their win streak, which is already embarassingly long. Or if M-Sport gets the most unexpected win of all times :D

[TypeR]

SS1 already delayed..

[dimviii]

EKO Acropolis Rally
@AcropolisRally

Due to severe traffic congestion coming into the holding area in Athens, the start of the rally is delayed. New start times will be communicated later.

[TypeR]

Traffic jam in Greece.. no way. Must be first time..

Use police escort or smth ffs

[EstWRC]

cancelled as TV stage

ridiculous

[Corcaíoch]

Rally Journal saying that not all drivers have had a chance to recce the stage yet, so the delay could be even longer. (Might have been mentioned on tv coverage too but I had it muted)
https://rallyjournal.com/acropolis-rally-start-delayed/

[typhoon]

cancelled as TV stage

ridiculous

For those who doesn't have a subscription with RallyTV, there's Greek pay-tv "Cosmote TV" who is broadcasting live the stage on YouTube (probably it has geographical restrictions, so a VPN might help.

The grandstands are now full (the footage in the global TV feed were shot earlier), big respect for those waiting for a tragic organization on that.

Events like this TOTALLY needs police escort, it's so disrespectful for TV viewers, fans on the grandstands and all stakeholders...

[PLuto]

And on https://www.wrc.com there is NOTHING. Completely no info about delayed SS 1, like nothing is happening...

[PLuto]

This SSS is one big shit. Not worth to watch it and waste time...

[EstWRC]

Ogier and Tänak just inseparable these days, exactly the same stage time on SS1 for them.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier and Tänak just inseparable these days, exactly the same stage time on SS1 for them.

The two of them really going for it right from the off, even on a crappy super-special. And of course they were equal times... amazing.

[Tauri_J]

This SSS is one big shit. Not worth to watch it and waste time...

This, I dont know whats the big fuss about it?

[ReRe]

My photos from shakedown: https://eu.zonerama.com/Link/Album/13483190

[Rallyper]

Ogier and Tänak just inseparable these days, exactly the same stage time on SS1 for them.

More important to wake up early tomorrow. Let´s see what happens...

[CeskyOndra]

I don't think Ogier will be competitive this weekend. But let's see.

[satnav]

My photos from shakedown: https://eu.zonerama.com/Link/Album/13483190

Some nice pics there

[CeskyOndra]

Good joke that we don't have images from SS1

[EstWRC]

Good joke that we don't have images from SS1

SS1 and SS2 so far

[CeskyOndra]

Their only job is to deliver pictures from the stages and every rally they manage to fail

[TypeR]

Evans must step up his game.. Ogier coming behinf him and over 15s faster

[CeskyOndra]

Fourmaux in the dust of Katsuta right from the start..

[EstWRC]

Tänak with 2 hard tyre at the front and no grip

[TypeR]

Lol, like amateurs..
Tanak says that wrong tyre choice once again..
Steady hot, dry, very long greece stage shouldn't be that difficult for professionals

[Rallyper]

Morning guys.
Pajari fast.

[Tauri_J]

Dust not an issue, even Fourmax did fine after only being 1 minute behind Taka

[jcevc]

MSport is again fighting with rally2 cars...

[CeskyOndra]

MSport is again fighting with rally2 cars...

hahah u wish. its even worse

[EstWRC]

So three punctures already

Josh, Katsuta and Sesks

[CeskyOndra]

this rally will be about surviving, i'm not longer bothering about few seconds in the finish.

[macebig]

Soft tyres won't make the day. It's still early and we already had 3 punctures. Later stages will be run at 40°C. No chance. It's pure lottery.

[CeskyOndra]

Soft tyres won't make the day. It's still early and we already had 3 punctures. Later stages will be run at 40°C. No chance. It's pure lottery.

Is there a tyre fitting zone after SS3 or do they have to make it until SS5?

[EstWRC]

Carnage also in wrc2

[CeskyOndra]

I really want to see the place where 7 rally 2 cars already did a puncture

[EstWRC]

The beginning with the hairpins is cleaning a lot here. Just look at the splits of Tänak and Neuville

[jcevc]

Hyundais so much faster on SS3 than Toyotas...

[Eli]

Hyundais so much faster on SS3 than Toyotas...

Speed won’t win this rally, all of them must finish first, sounds silly I know…but 40 degrees,,,tough.

[satnav]

Here is a link for the live maps

https://webapps2.wrc.com/2020/web/live/live.html

[satnav]

Is there a tyre fitting zone after SS3 or do they have to make it until SS5?

Remote service is after SS 4

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/295f37ce-73a0-4463-8114-dc972ba750b0/014a12ed-3113-478c-801e-df9f0ec39fde_Itinerary%20V5%20-%2025.6.2025.pdf

[satnav]

Thats me away to work, try and keep an eye to whats happening now, it'll be a long hard day out there

[spyros]

Good morning all, im out for Thiva and then north for tomorrow stages at Pavliani & oinohori, then go even north to Rentina for Sundays stages, Tarzan & Smokovo.
Im excited for the rally but also for visit the beautiful villages of my country.

S.D.

[EstWRC]

So together 14 crews were affected by punctures on SS2 which we will have as a rerun in coming minutes

[Rallyper]

Kalle loosing time in the end of SS4...

[Rallyper]

Punctures will decide the rally.

Well, so far I wasn´t wrong.

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville so unlucky this year

[EstWRC]

Normal service resumed. Ogier first and Tänak second

[archie106]

Evans with suspension issue?

[CeskyOndra]

I wonder how Ogier goes all in here and doesn't make a puncture or break the car..

[Tauri_J]

Neuville so unlucky this year

He was actually lucky to lose only 40s

[Rallyper]

They´re talking about concrete blocks. Are they meaning the ancient roads leading to Rome, made by bricks?

[Corcaíoch]

To have Ostberg in studio and to have this live commentary instead is a real shame!

[EstWRC]

Tänak saying to estonian media during the lunch break that they tried something new but it isnt working at all and the car is understeering, says that they cant change much during the remote service.

[spyros]

its very hot today in Greece, 40 c

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What a brutal start to the rally, especially in the first proper stage for some guys to immediately lose minutes to punctures. Imagine looking ahead with that time already gone. Gutted for them but I guess others will have their turn.

[TypeR]

4H 2S
Neuville, Evans, Tanak, Fourmaux, Katsuta, Rovanpera, Ogier

6H
Munster, Pajari, McE, Sesks

[Rallyper]

Now puncture for Neuville

[focus206]

Thierry is going to have more punctures this year with Hankook than the past 3 years with Pirelli put together...

[BlueStrike]

Ott looks properly on it. Pray the car holds together…

[Rallyper]

Rovanpera said at the end of SS5 that his car is so "bent" it doesn´t even go strait, if I heard right. So the whole chassis is bent then... Hard for the cars this rally.

[EstWRC]

Haven’t seen Thierry so angry at all.

[rallyfiend]

Thierry is going to have more punctures this year with Hankook than the past 3 years with Pirelli put together...

I think you're having too rosy an impression of how many punctures Pirelli had.

It was a LOT.

[CeskyOndra]

I think you're having too rosy an impression of how many punctures Pirelli had.

It was a LOT.

Neuville didn't have a lot of punctures with Pirelli.

[spyros]

Adrien and Ott very very fast here at Thiva, it seems that they 'll be 1-2 at the end of the day.

S.D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville's luck has deserted him this season. A shame as his driving has been pretty good.

[Tauri_J]

Neuville's luck has deserted him this season. A shame as his driving has been pretty good.

Been pretty slow this year

[Peperoma]

Next stage will be one of most crucial ones.
Big elevation change, completly new stage and quite big long...
I think we will see a couple a mistakes

[focus206]

I think you're having too rosy an impression of how many punctures Pirelli had.

It was a LOT.

Not for Neuville, one of the drivers with the least amount of punctures on Pirelli

[Corcaíoch]

"Sami Pajari has retired from fifth overall at Acropolis Rally with a technical issue on the road section after SS5."

Real shame, he seemed to be trying to play the smart game trying to stay out of trouble but no luck!

[archie106]

Pajari retired for the day, shame for him

[Rallyper]

Tanak on a mission.

[EstWRC]

Fourmaux doesn’t want to finish the Rally again?

[trykmann]

Been pretty slow this year

Stage wins after Sardegna

1. Tänak Ott 30
2. Rovanperä Kalle 25
3. Ogier Sébastien 19
4. Evans Elfyn 14
5. Fourmaux Adrien 11
6. Katsuta Takamoto 8
7. Neuville Thierry 6
8. Munster Grégoire 2
9. Rossel Yohan 1

[EstWRC]

This one is cleaning a lot. Even Munster with a decent time and not losing much in the end compared to Tänak and Fourmaux

[Dontcut]

Munster's podium is written in the stars :)

[focus206]

Kalle: "The whole day we hit so many rocks and the tires were fine, but now we had a puncture without hitting anything."

[240RS]

Seb Ogier shifted a lot of time on SS6 Stiri.

For once the master of rally management seems to have got it wrong there. I wonder whether he will rue that time loss come Sunday!!!

[CeskyOndra]

Just a single retirement so far..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some great shots from the heli in SS6 following the cars and also giving some real perspective of the stage location.

The stage also reminded me a lot of Greece on Dirt Rally 2.0 with all the hairpins. :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seb Ogier shifted a lot of time on SS6 Stiri.

For once the master of rally management seems to have got it wrong there. I wonder whether he will rue that time loss come Sunday!!!

Seems his road position finally affected him.

[CeskyOndra]

It sounds hillarious, but there is quite a serious threat of rain on tomorrow afternoon.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just a single retirement so far..

Only the WRC top 5 without punctures.

[CeskyOndra]

Only the WRC top 5 without punctures.

We have seen a lot of punctures, but in rallies that rough, it is common to have just 5-7 cars in the finish.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stage wins after Sardegna

1. Tänak Ott 30
2. Rovanperä Kalle 25
3. Ogier Sébastien 19
4. Evans Elfyn 14
5. Fourmaux Adrien 11
6. Katsuta Takamoto 8
7. Neuville Thierry 6
8. Munster Grégoire 2
9. Rossel Yohan 1

Unbelievable stats. Didnt realise Neuville had so few stage wins. Maybe he had more 2nd fastest's times... :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

We have seen a lot of punctures, but in rallies that rough, it is common to have just 5-7 cars in the finish.

It seems more stoney than actually rough, hence many punctures, but little suspension / steering damages.

[CeskyOndra]

This year's Friday's domination of Tanak, Fourmaux and Ogier could bore fans :D Kalle, Takamoto, Thierry and Elfyn (Elfyn logically) are invisible..

[TypeR]

Ah, what a shtty sequence of events in a row for Sesks this year..
(a lot of mistake also, but still.. sad)


⚠️ Unfortunately due to a fuel supply system issue, we are forced to withdraw before the final run of the day. Everything is fixable. We will continue tomorrow!

[Rallyper]

Only the WRC top 5 without punctures.

Yeah. That´s why they are top 5... ;)

[EstWRC]

The whole day Tanaks stage ends have been bad. Just doesn’t make up as much as Neuville and Fourmaux

[Dontcut]

The whole day Tanaks stage ends have been bad. Just doesn’t make up as much as Neuville and Fourmaux
Fourmaux stage ends are bonkers.

[240RS]

When all's said and done, the biggest winner of the day may turn out to be Elfyn Evans. Strangely.

Of his main championship rivals, only Ott Tanak gained anything of significance today. The Welshman sits a comfortable fourth and, with the benefit of a comparatively favourable road position, should fend off any pursuers tomorrow.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

When all's said and done, the biggest winner of the day may turn out to be Elfyn Evans. Strangely.

Of his main championship rivals, only Ott Tanak gained anything of significance today. The Welshman sits a comfortable fourth and, with the benefit of a compapartively favourable road position, should fend off any pursuers tomorrow.

Yes a good day for Evans and starting first may not have been such a big disadvantage as expected. The drivers further back got more punctures than him (and Ogier) possibly due to more and bigger stones pulled out. Getting through without any is as good as setting top 5 times !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Been pretty slow this year

But not today, just unlucky...

"Obviously, we lost 2m40.4s and we are 2m38.3s behind the leader. So you don’t need to be that good in math to know that we could be in the lead of the rally today. But that’s what it is."

[TypeR]

Morning

Neuville 2H 4S
Evans 6H
Tanak 3H 3S
Ogier 4H 2S
Fourmaux 3H 3S
Katsuta 4H 2S
Rova 4H 2S
Munster 4H 2S
Pajari 0
McE 4S 2H
Sesks 2H 4S

[TypeR]

Alert - Neuville rear right puncture..

Don't ask anything stupid at the finish line :D :D

[EstWRC]

But he isn’t losing time at the moment actually

[EstWRC]

Slow one but he managed it very well

[TypeR]

Surprised that Rovanpera can't beat Katsuta..

[TypeR]

Evans just cruising thru..

[EstWRC]

Evans is just nowhere this year at gravel. Just look at the gap with Ogier

[Kras]

Usually when Tanak is this fast, his onboard looks like he's gonna bin it. This one looked really smooth

[EstWRC]

Usually when Tanak is this fast, his onboard looks like he's gonna bin it. This one looked really smooth

Yep, totally different than yesterday when he was like a mad man behind the wheel with his hands. Same with Kalle, Tänak and Kalle onboards were scary to watch yesterday

[CeskyOndra]

Thats just not the Kalle we've seen last 5 years.

[Rallyper]

Thats just not the Kalle we've seen last 5 years.

Is he happy as he is? Or just fed up? He achieved what he wanted and now he wants other things to challenge?

[EstWRC]

Is he happy as he is? Or just fed up? He achieved what he wanted and now he wants other things to challenge?

It’s been said couple of times that he doesn’t get the Hankooks working like he wants and because of that he has had to change his driving style + the loss of the hybrid.

Seems to me that Neuville has been affected also by the same things but not as much as Kalle

[trykmann]

It’s been said couple of times that he doesn’t get the Hankooks working like he wants and because of that he has had to change his driving style + the loss of the hybrid.

Seems to me that Neuville has been affected also by the same things but not as much as Kalle

Also speed wise Hyundai has made a big step forward. Toyota drivers aren't superhumans anymore.

[meh]

Tänak 4 sec up in 2nd split, I'm getting scared.

[CeskyOndra]

Tänak 4 sec up in 2nd split, I'm getting scared.

By Ogier's face expressions it looks like he is pushing hard too, but just can't match Ott.

[EstWRC]

Tänak having today a better setup and you can see it right away from the times. Also from onboard, very smooth

[CeskyOndra]

After Sardegna, Tanak became my favourite to win the title this year. If he finishes Greece like this, he will be close to Elfyn, with Estonia and Finland coming.

[trykmann]

After Sardegna, Tanak became my favourite to win the title this year. If he finishes Greece like this, he will be close to Elfyn, with Estonia and Finland coming.

Without technical problems in Sweden or Kenya he would probably be very close to Evans already.

[Dontcut]

Serderidis retiring? Going away on map.

[Tauri_J]

Serderidis retiring? Going away on map.

Yeah, he felt sick.

[Tauri_J]

After Sardegna, Tanak became my favourite to win the title this year. If he finishes Greece like this, he will be close to Elfyn, with Estonia and Finland coming.

Dont forget that Hyundai is still a turd on tarmac

[Rallyper]

Yeah, he felt sick.

No wonder. In that heat. And his age. He did well against high temperatures as long as it lasted.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No wonder. In that heat. And his age. He did well against high temperatures as long as it lasted.

Definitely. I couldn't move in that heat never mind drive a rally car with an extra 20C inside.

[meh]

Rovanperä seems quite lost, 16 sec to Neuville

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kalle isn't enjoying it at all.

[EstWRC]

Sad to see Kalle like this

[TypeR]

Hopefully all good for mr Serderidis!

Rovanpera seems totally lost.. pace gone

[meh]

Ogier went to the attack mode? 3.6 faster than others in the 1st split (Tänak and Fourmaux not arrived there yet)

[meh]

Fourmaux did not seem on pace?

[CeskyOndra]

They didnt even notive that Adrien is going slowly.. F*CK

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Weird camera angle.

[BlueStrike]

Given how wobbly that car seems to be… suspension broken somewhere?

[CeskyOndra]

Don't tell me that it just fell off..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hit a rock on the corner.

[CeskyOndra]

Don't tell me that it just fell off..

He hit a rock outside the line which broke the suspension, hopefully he gets back to service..

[EstWRC]

Funny that Fourmaux said there was a stone on the line while he actually went off the line and hit it

[Corcaíoch]

Not a disaster for Fourmaux really, if he can get back to service ok. Still in 3rd and out of the battle at the front which could have led to him pushing too hard anyway. Can concentrate on podium now and he's still within a wheel change or so of the other two if anything happens to them.

[TypeR]

I would put a bit of blame also on (lack of) team principal.. Fourmaux should have driven on steady pace with nice gap to Ogier. Even Ogier just passing him wouldn't have been too much of a problem.

[CeskyOndra]

I would put a bit of blame also on (lack of) team principal.. Fourmaux should have driven on steady pace with nice gap to Ogier. Even Ogier just passing him wouldn't have been too much of a problem.

How can you drive steady with 13s gap and Ogier going flat out behind?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

They didnt even notive that Adrien is going slowly.. F*CK

I watch with just ambient sound and could tell straight away he was going slow. Who needs commentary....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rovanpera despair:

https://rallyjournal.com/kalle-rovanpera-sank-into-despair-this-revelation-said-it-all-about-the-dismal-situation/

[CeskyOndra]

Kalle stucked in the ditch

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The nightmare is complete.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow lucky he didnt go down the hill.

[Dontcut]

Tänak is still pushing hard on these roads...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Now Taka stuck !

[CeskyOndra]

Wow this stage delivers..

[satnav]

Well said Mads " People need to push not take pictures"

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No handbrake for Munster again. Not good enough M-Sport.

[Corcaíoch]

Very unlucky, a couple of more people there and he'd have been straight back on the road

[240RS]

One stage, two Toyota's in trouble!!! Both appear victims of driver errors.

The pressure may well ease for the Hyundais now.

[Dontcut]

Reporter did the funniest things on Evans: Toyota brakes are failing, watch out!

[satnav]

No handbrake for Munster again. Not good enough M-Sport.

Also the same for Josh as well, no handbrake

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Amazing how Tanak and Ogier are just flying through these stages like they're nothing, when all around them there's chaos.

[meh]

No position fight left for RC1 cars, the closest cap in the top 6 is 34 seconds. Probably everyone just goes safely through, and the Super-Sunday fight waits tomorrow.

[240RS]

Tanak putting the hammer down. Impressive drive.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak just in a 'good rhythm' and blitzing the field. Wow.

[Kras]

Ballsy drive from Tanak. It seems unlikely he'll male a mistake when he's in the zone like this. Let's hope the i20 holds together

[WRCStan]

Amazing how Tanak and Ogier are just flying through these stages like they're nothing, when all around them there's chaos.

Just seen 12/12 stage wins in class for Solberg and lead is growing. Can add him too.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Other issues for the M-Sport cars not just the handbrakes.. as if the rally wasn't hard enough.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Amazing how Tanak and Ogier are just flying through these stages like they're nothing, when all around them there's chaos.

Solberg is like this too, no fuss no drama and fast.

[EstWRC]

Today was vintage 2018-2019 Tänak like we have seen some glimpses also on other rallies this year. Not on the limit but still fastest

[TypeR]

Tomorrows start list revealed but no Munster..?

Mistake or what happened..

[stavrosGDB]

M-Sport Ford have retired Grégoire
Munster's car in service this evening due to a
technical issue.

[TypeR]

Darn.. sad news. Must be something serious if M-Sport can't fix it :D

[CeskyOndra]

Gutted for Gregoire.

[WRCStan]

Good grief: https://app-cdn.sportity.com/295f37ce-73a0-4463-8114-dc972ba750b0/8e817fb6-1198-4233-9188-c63f3a0fa467_Stewards%20Decision%206.pdf

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier says it's not over...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-knows-hes-firmly-in-acropolis-contention/

[BlueStrike]

Good grief: https://app-cdn.sportity.com/295f37ce-73a0-4463-8114-dc972ba750b0/8e817fb6-1198-4233-9188-c63f3a0fa467_Stewards%20Decision%206.pdf
The misguided self-confidence of brazenly lying to the stewards twice must generate its own gravity field.

[satnav]

Ogier says it's not over...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-knows-hes-firmly-in-acropolis-contention/

This rally isn't over until you're back in Lamia tomorrow afternoon.

[Steve Boyd]

This rally isn't over until you're back in Lamia tomorrow afternoon. And post event scrutineering has finished!

[TypeR]

Neuville 2H 4S
Evans 1H 4S
Tanak 1H 5S
Fourmaux 2H 4S
Katsuta 1H 4S
Rovanpera 3H 3S
Pajari 5S
McE 2H 4S
Ogier 5S
Sesks 1H 5S

If Hankook info is correct then I wonder how Toyota allowed Ogier and Evans to go with 1 spare only.. good luck!

[jcevc]

lol what a bug that was... :D looks like aliens attack...

[EstWRC]

Very sandy stage, this will be rutted for second pass and huge cleaning effect for first pass

[EstWRC]

How come they are slower than Pajari. Weird

[Dontcut]

Tänak goes full win it (sunday pts) or bin it.

[Rallyper]

Why this break?

[Rallyper]

Why this break? Are they completely mad?

[Dontcut]

Why this break?
Because next stage is underway which is TV stage

[Rallyper]

Because next stage is underway which is TV stage

Just to show ads?

[Rallyper]

Puncture for Kalle on Tarzan.

[eib1]

Why this break?

4 min gaps today and tv stage next

[Rallyper]

4 min gaps today and tv stage next

However they filled "the gap" with nonsense instead of showing Ott to finishline. It was only a minute away or so. That´s a disgrace.

[archie106]

Fourmaux needs to be careful here... lost almost 30 s to Elfyn across 2 stages, if he's not careful he could lose 3rd

[EstWRC]

Haha “you haven’t seen my flat out yet”

[240RS]

With Tanak now likely to move into second on the table standings, Estonia and Finland should be cracking events! I was giving up on this season, but there should be life in the second half of the season.

[meh]

Based on provisional standing after SS15, Solberg could have 19 points (for the season) with Rally2 car, without entering 3 rallies out of 7 - and it is more than any M-Sport full-time Rally1 driver...

[archie106]

Based on provisional standing after SS15, Solberg could have 19 points (for the season) with Rally2 car, without entering 3 rallies out of 7 - and it is more than any M-Sport full-time Rally1 driver...

Not a great stat for MSport. Solberg has entered all 7 rallies though? WRC registered for all just not WRC2 registered for 3 of them.

[EstWRC]

Msport is my favorite team but I have to say they have become unfortunately quite a joke this year with their drivers often fighting with rally2 times.

2027 can’t come soon enough for them

[satnav]

And post event scrutineering has finished!

Jerome will always have the final say

[TypeR]

Lol, Kalle and Taka playing really smart team games..? :D :D

[Rallyper]

Ongoing preparations for Power stage from Taka and Kalle on SS16...

[meh]

Welcome to the most boring stage of the rally.

[meh]

Neuville is losing time for split 3.

[KKS]

As a start order of PS is 'given' by promoter, he can be anywhere. And to prevent this sunday-driving-to-powerstage and this ugly tactic - it better to give: Pajari, Kalle, Taka order. And competly in rules

[KKS]

Neuville is losing time for split 3.
Spain powerstage mood by Neuville��
Crash as sunday routine

[CeskyOndra]

Spain powerstage mood by Neuville��
Crash as sunday rutine

Neuville doesn't often crash on Sunday. Just an issue once again..

[meh]

Spain powerstage mood by Neuville��
Crash as sunday rutine

This time, it seems to be just the "amazing quality" and technical problems.

[macebig]

Stuck on road mode and did a restart. That's for Neuville.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No luck at all for Neuville here (and this season).

[Eli]

Gotta say, I’m loving Mads being here this weekend, an absolute joy.

[Kras]

Ostberg > complete WRC+ crew

[TypeR]

Sounds just like he has been a rally driver himself :D

[archie106]

We need to get Henning on the coverage as well, he would be a fantastic stage end reporter!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A refreshing change to have Mads doing the stage end interviews. They should have former drivers more as the WRC drivers will respect them and answer their questions happily.

[Dontcut]

A refreshing change to have Mads doing the stage end interviews. They should have former drivers more as the WRC drivers will respect them and answer their questions happily.

It was clearly visible that drivers opened up on him, for example Tänak

[meh]

A refreshing change to have Mads doing the stage end interviews. They should have former drivers more as the WRC drivers will respect them and answer their questions happily.

It is also vice-versa - due to the respect for drivers, no silly or drama-digging questions are asked.

[Kras]

A refreshing change to have Mads doing the stage end interviews. They should have former drivers more as the WRC drivers will respect them and answer their questions happily.

Not only that, they also know what to ask and read tactics better. Mads just made it obvious how clueless and complacent other interviewer are. I dread not having him for the next rally

[meh]

We may see some pushing on PS:
* Pajari - need to keep Neuville away from Sunday points
* Neuville - if the car is working, he will go for it. Quite high risk to pick up for punctures, I guess
* Taka - going for push, hopefully does not overcook it (again)
* Rovanperä - never underestimate this dude, but in this rally, he has not been in the flow
* Ogier - in addition to PS points, he may hunt Sunday points from Tänak. The stage is long enough to catch that 5.2 seconds
* Evans - most likely going to decent drive to collect some points, hard to imagine he is willing to take huge risks
* Fourmaux - most likely no push
* Tänak - most likely no push, but he is naturally fast enough to collect some extra points

[Kras]

This Saudi dickriding propaganda is vomit-inducing

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Credit to Ostberg for doing the job. I'm not sure there's many other ex-WRC drivers would want to.

[KKS]

As a start order of PS is 'given' by promoter, he can be anywhere. And to prevent this sunday-driving-to-powerstage and this ugly tactic - it better to give: Pajari, Kalle, Taka order. And competly in rules
And they didnt ... so c'mon lets do silly tactics again

[meh]

Starting order:
1. Solberg
2. Pajari
3. Katsuta
4. Rovanperä
5. Sesks
6. McErlean
7. Neuville
8. Evans
9. Fourmaux
10. Ogier
11. Tänak

[satnav]

Front left tyre pressure alert for Taka

[Dontcut]

And they didnt ... so c'mon lets do silly tactics again
Karma intervined, Taka punctured and now dusting Kalle as well

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great win by Solberg, a truly perfect drive.

(Note to the interviewer - he didnt win the rally like his dad in 2004, he won his Class (WRC2).

[KKS]

Front left tyre pressure alert for Taka
Rally of Gods.

Trying to make Kalle's roadposition better=put Kalle more dust

[satnav]

Taka stopped and had a quick change and on the tracking they look to be still far enough ahead

[Corcaíoch]

Very impressive from Solberg, clearly the fastest in WRC2 but also very controlled and composed.

[meh]

Team tactics are part of the rally, do we like it or not.

There is no actual dust issue. Just calm down :)

[satnav]

Solberg has had a very steady weekend, no drama and a very good result, impressive indeed

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg belongs in WRC1, it's such a pity he couldn't get a deal done with M-Sport for this year.

[dimviii]

Fourmaux with a close call at 1.24 km

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solid job and points for Evans and couldn't really have hoped for more from first on the road.

[meh]

Tänak is losing a bit too much... I really hope it is just taking it easy not some puncture. Sunday win is kind of gone already.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great podium by Fourmaux, excellent performance.