Last year, amid the global pandemic, it was hard to envision a day like this would come. But it is here, the Eco Acropolis Rally of the Gods is back and the cars are ready to roar today.
The course proved so successful that it secured an immediate extension of its presence in the World Championship program until 2023. And now, here we are, the moto lovers around the globe, waiting anxiously in anticipation for the race to start.
With the baritone sounds of the vehicles echoing through the Olympic Stadium, before being set free in the Greek mountains for the proper course, the Rally1 hybrid beasts will take part in the special dirt course designed in the Athens Olympic Stadium (OAKA). What a spectacle, with the fans screaming in a huge celebration, under the background music!
The ECO Rally Acropolis is the 10th stop in this year’s World Championship and it is possible that it will prove pivotal for its final outcome.
A total of 70 crews will be present at the OAKA Super-Special route, promising an insane show for all the aficionados. In fact, the factory teams are coming in full strength, since we will see 13 (!) cars in the Rally1 category, a number that is a record in the new era of hybrid cars.
We have a total of 35 entries in the WRC2 category, with cars from four different manufacturers. Among them the main contenders for the title, Andreas Mikkelsen – Torstein Eriksen (Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo), Emil Lindholm – Reeta Hamalainen with the same car, but also last year’s champions in WRC3, Yohan Rossel – Valentin Sarreaud (Citroën C3 Rally2). And the company in the dirt races experienced crews like that of Teemu Suninen – Mikko Markkula (Hyundai i20 N Rally2).
Eleven Greek crews with cars of Rally2 specifications will also compate for first place in the informal Greek classification.
