Acropolis Rally kicks off at Athens' Ellinikon Sports Park

The 70th EKO Rally Acropolis, a round of the FIA World Rally Championship, opened at the newly rebuilt Ellinikon Sports Park in Athens. The event featured a Super Special Stage on the park’s venue and a historic sea leg, with crews and cars ferried from the port of Corinth to Itea on the Superfast IV vessel – the first maritime segment in the rally since 1991.

A field of 57 crews from 24 nations started the competition. French driver Sébastien Ogier set the fastest time in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, followed by compatriot Takamoto Katsuta, while Thierry Neuville claimed third in a Hyundai i20 N Rally1. In the WRC‑2 class, Yohan Rossel topped the times in a Lancia Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2.

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Sports Minister Giannis Broustas, Vice‑President and Minister of State Kostis Chatzidakis, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Spectators could enter the stage area for free, with access via the Argyroupoli metro station or a dedicated tram line, and were advised to bring hats and water due to high temperatures.