For motorsport enthusiasts, the EKO Acropolis Rally 2024 is the “number one” sporting event of the year, and it promises a start worthy of its reputation and history.

Seventy crews passed through the starting ramp in Lamia, ready to compete in a tough rally with 15 special stages, covering a total of 305.30 kilometers over three days.

It wasn’t just the number of crews that was impressive, but also the presence of officials attending the start to honour them. Among them was the Alternate Minister of Sports, Giannis Vroutsis, who earlier in the morning got a taste of what’s to come by sitting in the co-driver’s seat of Dani Sordo’s Hyundai i20 N Rally 2 during the Shakedown. As every year, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, was also present, giving the "green light" for another EKO Acropolis Rally start ceremony. Since yesterday, the event has been honoured by the presence of Sir Mark Simon Cavendish, regarded by many as the greatest sprint cyclist of all time. Not only did he act as a… paceman in a tour around Lamia, accompanied by drivers and co-drivers participating in the rally, but he also co-drove in Sebastien Ogier’s Toyota GR Yaris Rally 1 during the Shakedown earlier this morning.

Crews from 32 countries – some familiar with Greek soil and others facing conditions they’ve only heard about in rallying stories – received applause from the spectators who filled the venue.

Helena Paparizou took the stage to liven up the atmosphere, giving the event a celebratory tone with her unique voice, alongside Manolis Kontaros.

The EKO Acropolis Rally, known for being one of the most challenging and unpredictable rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship, is expected to be the highlight of the WRC season this year. The crews are anticipating one of the toughest rallies in recent years, which is expected to push the limits of cars and tyres.

All eyes will be on the Greek mountains for the next three days, as the EKO Acropolis Rally unfolds, bringing with it a unique spectacle of sights, sounds, and high-octane action.

For high-resolution photos, click here.