WRC Acropolis Rally: Ogier Starts Strong with Dominant Win in Ellinikon Super Special Stage

Sébastien Ogier opened his 2026 EKO Acropolis Rally campaign in style, setting the fastest time in the Ellinikon Super Special Stage. He was followed closely by Takamoto Katsuta and Thierry Neuville, who completed the top three.

A spectacular start in Athens

The 2026 EKO Acropolis Rally began on Thursday evening (June 25) with the 1.56 km Ellinikon Super Special Stage at The Ellinikon Sports Park, under clear skies and temperatures reaching 32°C.

Thousands of fans gathered to witness the opening of the legendary “Rally of the Gods,” creating a vibrant atmosphere as the world’s top drivers took on a fast, parallel-format stage designed for head-to-head action.

Nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier set the benchmark time, finishing just one second ahead of Takamoto Katsuta, while Thierry Neuville followed 1.1 seconds behind.

After his run, Ogier highlighted the unique energy from the crowd, noting the historic significance and difficulty of the Acropolis Rally and expressing confidence ahead of the demanding days to come.

A new look for the Acropolis Rally

The Ellinikon stage marked a symbolic moment for the event, linking one of the most historic rallies in the World Rally Championship with Greece’s largest urban redevelopment project.

This year’s edition introduces key changes, including a new rally headquarters based in Loutraki and an expanded route covering Attica, the Peloponnese, and Central Greece. Organizers aim to preserve the rally’s famously tough character while modernizing its structure and global appeal.

The real challenge begins

Despite the dramatic city-center start, drivers were unanimous about one thing: the rally truly begins tomorrow.

Crews and cars were already preparing for a demanding transition, with the rally moving away from Athens and toward the gravel stages of Central Greece.

The next day’s itinerary includes the Bauxites stage, followed by Parnassos and the first pass through Steiri. In the afternoon, competitors face Helikon, a second run through Steiri, and the day-ending Thebes stage.

High temperatures, rough terrain, rocks, and tire management will quickly become decisive factors as the rally shifts into its traditional endurance battle.

Drivers reflect on the Super Special stage

After the opening stage, drivers shared their first impressions:

Sébastien Ogier:
“It’s great to see the spectators. This is a historic rally, a difficult one, but we’re ready.”

Takamoto Katsuta:
“It will be a difficult rally, and we need to be patient.”

Thierry Neuville:
“There’s no need to be overly optimistic. We’ll drive at our own pace.”

Elfyn Evans:
“It will be a tough rally. Finding the balance between speed and protecting the car will be difficult.”

Oliver Solberg:
“We have to look after the tyres. It’s great to see so many people here. Now the ferry is waiting for us!”

Sami Pajari:
“The coming days will be very long. Hopefully we’ll be lucky and reach the finish.”

Adrien Fourmaux:
“Tomorrow will be a different day, but thank you to the fans.”

Jon Armstrong:
“It will be a difficult rally, but we’re ready.”

Dani Sordo:
“It was nice to see a Spanish battle, even if we weren’t driving the same car.”

Joshua McErlean:
“You never know what will happen—that’s the magic of rallying.”

Mārtiņš Sesks:
“It’s great to see so many spectators in the heart of the city.”

Jourdan Serderidis:
“This is the only WRC event we’ll compete in this year, and I’ll do my best.”

Yohan Rossel:
“It will be a tough weekend for tyre management.”

Léo Rossel:
“We enjoyed the spectators, though not the tyres.”

Roope Korhonen:
“The rally starts tomorrow.”

Alejandro Cachón:
“It was a special feeling to share the stage with Dani.”

Roberto Daprà:
“We’re pleased that our time was competitive.”

Andreas Mikkelsen:
“A good start—everything went well.”

Robert Virves:
“We need to be smart and avoid problems.”

Gus Greensmith:
“It’s a tough rally, but I feel good.”

Jan Solans:
“Now let’s focus on tomorrow.”

Yuki Yamamoto:
“I think it will be a good rally for us.”

Romet Jürgenson:
“It was nice; the stage wasn’t bad.”

_{Content Manager: Ambassador Mykonos Promo Kostas Skagias}