Am All Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team Podium. Photo Credit: eWRC Images.
The rally started with a dramatic start with Thierry Neuville seen under the bonnet even before starting the rally, and several incidents on day 1. However, Thierry Neuville managed to secure a crucial victory at the WRC EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, extending his FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) lead by 34 points after a dramatic weekend. The Belgian driver, alongside co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe, dominated the treacherous rally, finishing with a time of 3:38:04.2. This win not only solidified his championship lead but also marked an all-Hyundai podium, a massive boost for the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team.
Neuville’s main rival, Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Sébastien Ogier, was on course for a podium finish until disaster struck on the final day. Ogier rolled his TOYOTA GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID just a mile from the start of the Wolf Power Stage, dropping him from second overall to a distant 16th place. Despite the crash, Ogier managed to retain his Saturday points but lost significant ground in the title race.
Neuville’s win was followed by Hyundai teammate Dani Sordo and co-driver Cándido Carrera, who claimed second place with a time of 3:39:51.0. Ott Tänak, also driving for Hyundai, finished third with co-driver Martin Järveoja, clocking in at 3:41:01.5. Tänak’s performance saw him leapfrog Ogier in the championship standings, moving from third to second overall.
The rally was particularly harsh for Toyota’s Elfyn Evans, another key title contender. Evans faced multiple setbacks, including a devastating tire puncture that ruined his Friday, followed by a crash on Stage 11 that saw him roll his GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID, ending his hopes of a strong finish.
The strong performance from Hyundais saw the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team extend their lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship. With Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT drivers unable to finish within the top 10, Hyundai now leads the manufacturers’ race by 35 points, up from 20 points before the start of the Greek rally.
The Acropolis Rally is known for its challenging, rocky terrain, which once again tested the world’s best drivers to their limits. This year’s event, however, will be remembered for the dominance of Neuville and the Hyundai team, as well as the dramatic misfortune that befell Ogier and Evans.
With the WRC season approaching its final stretch, all eyes are now on Neuville as he looks to secure his first World Rally Championship title. However, with Tänak now second in the standings and Ogier still within striking distance, the battle for the championship is far from over.
The next stop on the WRC calendar is Rally Chile, where the teams will face yet another set of grueling conditions in their quest for the championship crown.
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