ATHENS GREECE: Reconnaissance done, its time for action

BY FRANK KAHEESI& HENRY MBAZIIRA,ATHENS GREECE.

With reconnaissance wrapped up, all eyes now turn to the EKO Rally Acropolis 2025, as real action kicks off tomorrow, Thursday with the shakedown in Lamia and the Athens Super Special Stage in the heart of the capital.

Following the recce, crews agreed: this year’s Acropolis Rally is shaping up to be one of the toughest in recent memory.

Rough surfaces and extreme heat are expected to put both drivers and machinery to the test – with tyres and cooling systems facing relentless pressure over the coming days.

Drivers had the following to say after recce;

Crew of Elfyn EVANS / Scott MARTIN

The 2025 WRC leader says; “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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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!”

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.”

Six rounds so far done,Toyota currently dominates the WRC leader board with a 1-2-3 positioning.

Elfyn Evans leads with 133 points, followed by teammate Ogier with 114 and Kalle in third place with 113.

Hyundai teammates Ott Tanak and world champion Thierry Nuevile trail Toyota in fourth and fifth places respectively.

Photos: Courtesy of WRC

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