Will this Japanese Brand be able to dominate the Greek Acropolis Rally?
On 2 September 2022, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR WRT) had their sights set on taking the top spot once more on the acclaimed Acropolis Rally in round 10 of the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship in Greece which will take place from 8 to 11 September 2022.
Having returned to the World Racing Championship (WRC) Calendar in 2021, the Acropolis Rally was a welcome reintroduction as it was an almost permanent contender up until 2013. This track is revered due its rocky mountain roads in combination with high temperature which push driver and car alike to their limits.
Last year, Kalle Rovanpera, who won the event on his very first attempt is currently 72 points up and has only four rounds to go. Depending on how well the other drivers perform, Kalle Rovanpera may be able to create history in Greece if he can take first place in the Acropolis Rally.
Kalle Rovanpera stated, “Belgium was a difficult weekend for us, so in Greece we just need to get back at the level where we should be and try to have a good rally. The championship is never over until it’s over so we can’t think about it too much: We’re just trying to get good points from each event and control what we can.”
“Greece was a really nice rally for us last year but our chances this time will probably depend a lot on the weather. If it’s going to be dry then I think it’s going to be really tricky for us to open the road on Friday. If so, it probably won’t be much easier for our rivals just behind us, and hopefully we can still make the best of the situation.” He added.
Elfyn Evans, who took second in Belgium is currently in third for the Acropolis and is competing for the drivers’ title. Esapekka Lappi, will also be contesting the title for the first time since 2014 after achieving two podiums in the last two rounds while Takamoto Katsuta will make his debut with TGR WRT Next Generation as well.
The Acropolis starts with a special stage in the Athens Olympic Stadium on Thursday. Crews will head west to Loutraki, where they will compete for two passes on Friday morning followed by a single pass of Harvati which is adjacent to it.
Teams will then head north to the service park in Lamia for three more stages: a tyre-fitting zone in the new Dafni and Livadia tests, followed by Bauxites. Saturday will see drivers in two loops of three stages west of Lamia and almost half of the rally’s competitive distance.
The longest stage of the weekend at 33.2km takes place in Pyrgos and precedes the returning Perivoli and Tarzan tests. On Sunday, Elatia-Rengini will separate into two passes of Eleftherohori and conclude the rally-ending Power Stage.
