1. | #1 | McRae Colin - Ringer Derek | Subaru Impreza 555 555 Subaru WRT | N1 *** | A8 | M | 5:33:12 | 77.6 | |||
2. | #7 | Mäkinen Tommi - Harjanne Seppo | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III Mitsubishi Ralliart | M6 *** | A8 | M | 5:34:02 | +50 +50 | 77.4 0.12 | ||
3. | #4 | Sainz Carlos - Moya Luis | Ford Escort RS Cosworth Ford Motor Co. Ltd. | N50*** | A8 | M | 5:36:33 | +3:21 +2:31 | 76.8 0.47 |
The Acropolis Rally of Greece is a rally competition that is part of the World Rally Championship (WRC). The rally is held on very dusty, rough, rocky
and fast mountain roads in mainland Greece, usually during the Greek hot summer period. The
rally is best known for being extremely tough on the competing cars and drivers.
The
Acropolis Rally has been held since 1951 by the Greek Motorsports Organization Automobile
and Touring Club of Greece (ELPA), making it one of the
longest-standing competitions in world rallying. Many world renown drivers have
won this event including Walter Röhrl, Björn
Waldegård, Ari Vatanen, Stig Blomqvist, Juha Kankkunen, Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae, among others.
Due
to the nature of the race, with a mix of rough, twisty, fast mountain stages
and coupled with blistering heat and choking dust, the Acropolis Rally is one
of the toughest on the European and World Rally circuits. The cars used in the
race must be built with extra sturdiness in order to cope with the fast but
rock-strewn stages. Drivers and co-drivers also have to contend with the
pounding terrain and high summer temperatures which often reached 50 °C
within the cockpit. Many drivers rate the event as a test of skill, patience,
bravery and endurance in the past, going as far as comparing the Acropolis with
the infamous Safari Rally.