Tough conditions await for WRC Greece field
Kalle Rovanpera topped the opening asphalt stage of the WRC Acropolis Rally Greece, but big challenges lay ahead as the field heads to the rain affected gravel stages.
The opening shakedown was cancelled due to near unseen levels of rain around the Greek capital of Athens, with the 10 car Rally1 field due to head north toward the service park area of Lamia.
After months of no rain and massive wildfires, the heavens opened up in central Greece. And after the fires heavily affected the pre-event testing, the changeable conditions will now serve up a day of caution and survival when they take to the gravel.
The opening Super Stage Special saw championship leaders Rovanpera and co-driver Jonne Halttunen seeking redemption after a driver error saw them retire from Rally Finland, allowing team-mate Elfyn Evans to swoop for his second win of the season.
Rovanpera topped the opening stage, but it’s a far cry from the condirions that await the Rally1 field for Day 1. Images: WRC
The #69 GR Yaris topped the short opening by 0.3 seconds over Hyundai’s Esapekka Lappi, with fellow i20N driver Thierry Neuville in third.
“After the disappointment in Finland, I want to do a good rally, but we have to fight for it,” the Finn explained.
Ahead of tomorrow’s gravel road test with some areas having to be redirected due to the torrential rains, Lappi commented on the challenge ahead.
“I am not sure if anybody likes the unpredictable conditions, but I am sure it’s going to be very entertaining!”
Although conditions have improved slightly, the grip levels will be highly affected, meaning tomorrow’s 103.46 km over five stages with no service available, could turn into an early war of attrition.
Hyundai part-timer Dani Sordo was fourth after Stage 1, topping Ford M-Sport’s Ott Tanak, whilst the Rally 1 field was completed with the returning Sebastien Ogier, Takamoto Katsuta, and Pierre Louis Loubet.
Elfyn Evans was a surprise P12, whilst Greek gentlemen privateer Jourdan Serderidis put his Puma Rally1 in a lowly 33rd.
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