Thierry Neuville Leads Acropolis Rally as Ogier Trims Gap

Belgian driver Thierry Neuville topped the opening day of the 2026 Acropolis Rally in Greece, finishing 9.7 seconds ahead of nine‑time champion Sébastien Ogier. Adrien Fourmaux was third, 42.4 seconds back. Neuville, who lost the front splitter and struggled with aerodynamic balance, said, “It is always nice to lead but it doesn’t mean anything at the moment as the rally is very long. Tomorrow will be very tough for the car and the tyres.”

Ogier, who won the fourth special stage, echoed a cautious approach: “It’s been a good day for us, I can be happy with that… at the moment I just focus on myself and stay out of trouble.” The day was marked by numerous punctures: Jon Armstrong earned his first WRC stage win before a front‑right puncture and power loss forced his retirement; Fourmaux suffered a tyre puncture that dropped him from the lead to fourth; other leaders such as Elfyn Evans and Dani Sordo also lost time to tyre damage.

Mid‑stage, the FIA shortened special SS12 (Ghymno) by about 4.5 km after Ogier warned that the first five kilometres were “extremely extreme” and could become a lottery for tyres. The organizers complied, removing the most deteriorated section.

Separately, an investigation into a rock thrown at Alejandro Cachón’s WRC2 Toyota found no evidence of a spectator‑thrown projectile, concluding the incident remains under review.

The rally will continue with further gravel stages across the Peloponnese, where tyre management and durability will remain decisive.