Hyundai Shell Mobis repeated their 2022 triumph, claiming the podium lock-out, with Thierry Neuville securing victory on Greek soil for the second time, like a replay of a previous episode.

The historic success of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 comes after a grueling marathon of special stages that pushed both people and machines to their limits, requiring patience, a clear mind, and strong character. Thierry Neuville led the standings since stage 9 and maintained his position by avoiding unnecessary risks, staying true to his well-planned strategy throughout.

From the very first day, it was evident that the EKO Acropolis Rally would turn into a survival battle. Mechanical issues and tyre punctures struck nearly every crew, leading to numerous position changes throughout the event and intense battles right up until the final stage, the Eleftherohori-Wolf Power Stage. It was there that a driving mistake cost Sebastien Ogier second place overall and robbed Toyota Gazoo Racing of crucial points in their bid for the Manufacturers’ Championship. At least the French managed to reach the finish with his damaged GR Yaris Rally1, minimising the losses. Though he finished 16th overall, he will still claim the points for 3rd place for the first two days of the event.

With the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 cars of Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta, along with Adrien Fourmaux's Ford Puma Rally1, far from the top, Neuville was joined on the podium by Dani Sordo and Ott Tanak, sealing Hyundai's triumph and extending their lead over Toyota by 35 points in the Manufacturers’ Championship.

Likewise, Thierry Neuville is one step closer to claiming his first WRC title, extending his lead over second Ott Tanak to 34 points, as Sebastien Ogier dropped to third place.

The finale in WRC2 was equally dramatic. Sami Pajari (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2), who had been leading since midday yesterday, suffered a puncture in the Wolf Power Stage, costing him 28.5 seconds – exactly the difference to Robert Virves (Skoda Fabia RS)! Despite both drivers having identical times after 305 km of special stages, the win was awarded to Pajari according to WRC regulations, as he had won the first special stage of the rally.

In WRC3/JWRC, both Norbert Maior and Romet Jürgenson can be pleased with their battle in the Ford Fiesta Rally3s. Maiorb claimed his first win at WRC, while Jürgenson secured the WRC3/JWRC Championship title.

On the other hand, Armin Kremer (Skoda Fabia RS), with 11 fastest times out of 15 stages, left no room for doubt and claimed another victory that brings him closer to winning the WRC Masters Cup.

After consistent performances, Panagiotis Roustemis (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) finished first among the Greek crews, in 12th place overall, followed by Iordanis Serderidis (Ford Puma Rally1) and Eftymios Chalkias (Renault Clio Rally3). Meanwhile, Savvas Lefkaditis (Peugeot 208 Rally4) won the RC4 category.

The 2024 EKO Acropolis Rally once again confirmed its reputation as a tough, unpredictable event.

 

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