Sporting News Jari Matti Latvala- Tomiya Maekawa in the lead!
On Friday evening, the Historic Acropolis Rally officially got underway, as the 60 crews that crossed the ceremonial start ramp set up in Eleftherias Square in Lamia launched into battle against the clock on the “Stirfaka” Special Stage. For most of the route, the surface remained dry, but after the first crews had passed, rain began to fall, significantly altering grip conditions. The night stage, contested solely under the lights of the rally cars, proved demanding for the competitors, several of whom encountered difficulties.
Making full use of his vast experience, Finnish driver Jari-Matti Latvala immediately found an excellent rhythm from the opening kilometres of the rally, quickly building a substantial gap over his rivals. Co-driven by Japanese navigator Tomiya Maekawa aboard a Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD (ST185), the duo demonstrated their intentions early on, delivering an impressive performance that comfortably placed them at the top of the standings. In second overall and first in Category 5 are Kristopher Rosenberger – Nicola Janusche Bleicher, who completed a trouble-free opening leg with their Subaru Impreza 555, marking the Austrian driver’s return to Greek soil after 32 years. Holding third overall are the leading Greek competitors and leaders of the national championship, Marios Stafilopatis – Giorgos Chatzirigas, who complained about visibility issues after encountering dust from a car ahead during the special stage. The crew of the Lancia Delta Integrale sits just four seconds behind the Austrians and is expected to increase its pace as the rally progresses.
An incorrect tyre choice cost valuable time to Achilleas Christodoulou – Konstantinos Soukoulis, as their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI struggled for grip during the night stage, leaving the crew fourth overall after the opening special stage. One position behind them is a familiar face to Greek rally fans, Gregoire de Mevius, with Andre Leyh alongside in the Nissan Sunny GTI-R. Close behind are fellow Belgians Christophe Jacob – Isabelle Regnier (Ford Escort RS1800 MKII), who currently lead the standings of the European Historic Gravel Rally Championship. Seventh overall are Petros Panteli – Antonis Chrysostomou, who completed their first competitive kilometres with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI and are expected to become more competitive throughout the remainder of the event. Slightly behind them are Chrysos Panteli – Thomas Theofanous, marking the Cypriot driver’s return to the wheel of a four-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III. Italians Andrea Succi – Fabio Graffieti, competing in their first Historic Acropolis Rally, occupy ninth overall with a BMW M3 E30, while Nemo Mazza – Mauro Marchiori (Ford Escort RS1800 MKII) complete the top ten.
Further down the order are Czech competitors Vojtech Stajf – Veronika Havelkova, who solved a driveshaft issue on their Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165 during the evening service halt, in the crew’s first appearance on Greek soil. Second in the Greek Historic Rally Championship standings are local Lamia competitors Konstantinos Mylonas – Nikolaos Paraperas (Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165), who set an impressive pace on the night-time “Stirfaka” stage while also leading Category 2. Georg Reitsperger – Herbert Knodl follow in the overall standings with their four-wheel-drive Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4×4, while Alexandros Christodoulou – Athanasios Samaras hold third place in the Greek championship event with the spectacular Lancia 037 Rally. Behind them are Giorgos Delaportas – Ilias Panagiotounis in a Volkswagen Golf II and Ioannis Paravalos – Dionysis Kolotouros in a Toyota Corolla AE92.
Unfortunately, Ghislain de Mevius – Andre Leyh were forced to retire from the rally after a broken wheel bearing on their Subaru Impreza 555 prematurely ended their campaign.
On Saturday, May 23, the schedule features a total of 7 special stages across the regions of Fthiotida and Karditsa. Competitors will depart early in the morning from the Service Park and tackle the “Kalamaki” special stage, measuring 12.99 km, a route familiar from previous editions of the modern Acropolis Rally. Memories from the past will return with the rally’s third stage, “Makrirachi” (8.37 km), a route deeply connected with the Acropolis Rally during the 1980s and 1990s. The action then continues with the “Achladia” Special Stage, featuring 13.45 competitive kilometres, before crews head to Anavra for the midday service.
The crews will then return to “Makrirachi” for a second pass, followed by another run through “Achladia”. Afterwards, competitors will head to one of the rally’s most iconic stages, “Tarzan”, measuring 15.05 km, a route that has carved out a legendary place in the history of the Acropolis Rally. “Tarzan” is considered one of the most famous and demanding stages of the Greek event, combining fast sections with technical and narrow forest roads through Mount Oiti, representing a true challenge for all crews. The stage first appeared in the national rally during the late 1970s and quickly earned a special place in the memories of motorsport fans. After an absence of around 15 years, it returned to the spotlight with the Acropolis Rally’s comeback to the World Rally Championship in 2021. This year marks the first time that “Tarzan” is included in the Historic Acropolis Rally itinerary, giving historic rally cars the opportunity to compete on one of Greece’s most beloved and legendary stages. Saturday’s leg concludes with the “Stirfaka” Special Stage, covering 12.07 km, before crews return to the Panhellenic Exhibition Centre of Lamia.
The Region of Central Greece is one of the key supporters of this year’s Historic Acropolis Rally, actively contributing to the organisation and smooth running of the event. Through its support, the region’s unique rally routes are showcased while promoting Central Greece as a destination. Significant support is also provided by the Regional Unit of Karditsa, which strongly backs the event. Through the rally, the Karditsa region gains additional international exposure, hosting crews and visitors from across Europe who have the opportunity to experience the area’s beauty and hospitality.
The Municipality of Lamia plays a central role in the organisation, as Lamia serves as one of the rally’s main hubs, hosting both the Service Park and Rally Headquarters. The Historic Acropolis Rally contributes significantly to promoting the city as a centre for major sporting events. At the same time, the Municipality of Sofades actively supports the rally’s presence in the area, strengthening the connection between the local community and motorsport while highlighting the region through an internationally renowned historic event.
Valuable assistance to the organisers of the Historic Acropolis Rally is also provided by the Region of Attica and the Regional Unit of Boeotia. In addition to the Municipality of Lamia and the Municipality of Sofades, the event is also supported by the Municipality of Athens, the Municipality of Thebes, the Municipality of Tanagra, the Municipality of Livadeia, the Municipality of Amfikleia-Elateia, and the Municipality of Aliartos.
Broadcast partner is Cosmote TV, which in recent years has been present at all major motorsport events in Greece.
On the rally’s official website (http://www.historicacropolis.gr/) and the Digital Notice Board (https://webapp.sportity.com/event/SPO26HACROPOLIS/4d688753-3a47-4c32-a1be-c8ae3678e4d2), you can stay updated with all the latest news regarding the Historic Acropolis Rally.
Official Website: http://www.historicacropolis.gr/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/historicacropolisrallygr
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/historic_acropolis_rally/
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