The Acropolis Rally kicked off in dramatic fashion on Thursday as Sébastien Ogier and Ott Tänak delivered identical times in the opening stage, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive weekend in Greece. Racing through a 1.5-kilometre super special stage set in the heart of Athens, both drivers crossed the finish line in 1 minute and 18.1 seconds, earning a shared position at the top of the leaderboard.
Ogier, an eight-time world champion, and Tänak, who claimed the World Rally Championship title in 2019, showcased their experience and precision in the narrow, technical street stage, thrilling fans who lined the ancient city's streets. Their joint performance puts them in prime position heading into the more challenging gravel stages that lie ahead.
Just 0.9 seconds behind the leading duo was Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta, who secured third place with an impressive and controlled run. Meanwhile, championship leader Elfyn Evans and two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä, both also driving for Toyota, recorded the same time to sit tied in sixth place, trailing by 1.5 seconds.
With Toyota drivers dominating the early standings, the rally promises a high-stakes battle over the coming days as competitors move from the urban stage in Athens to the rugged terrain that defines the Acropolis Rally. The opening tie between Ogier and Tänak sets up an exciting narrative in one of the most iconic events on the WRC calendar.
ADD A COMMENT :