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{{Short description|Rally competition in Greece}}
The '''Acropolis Rally Greece''' (Officially known as [[BP]] Ultimate [[Acropolis]] [[Rally]] of [[Greece]]) is the eighth [[rally racing|rally]] on the [[World Rally Championship]] schedule for [[2006]]. It was held on [[June 2]], [[2006]] through [[June 4]], [[2006]]. Held on extremely dusty, very rough and very rocky mountain roads in blistering heat during the Greek summer period around the city of [[Athens]].But the hightlight of the Rally is the Super Special Stage in [[Athens Olympic Stadium]]. The rally is know for being extremely tough on the competing cars and drivers.In 2005 it was announced Rally of the Year.
{{More footnotes needed|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox recurring event
| name = Acropolis Rally
| native_name = Ράλι Ακρόπολις
| native_name_lang =
| logo =
| logo_caption =
| image = Rally Acropolis 2011-SS3.jpg
| caption = [[Sébastien Ogier]] driving a [[Citroën DS3 WRC]] at the [[2011 Acropolis Rally]]
| status = active
| genre = motorsporting event
| date = May - June, September
| begins =
| ends =
| frequency = annual
| venue =
| area = [[Attica]], [[Fthiotis]], [[Phokis]], [[Corinthia]]
| location = [[Athens]], [[Lamia (city)|Lamia]], [[Loutraki]]
| coordinates =
| country = {{flagicon|GRE}} [[Greece]]
| first = {{Start date|1951|df=y}}
| founder_name = [[Automobile and Touring Club of Greece|ELPA]]
| prev =
| next =
| participants =
| attendance =
| budget =
| activity =
| patron =
| organised =
| filing =
| people =
| member =
| sponsor =
| website = {{URL|http://www.acropolisrally.gr}}
| footnotes =
}}


The '''Acropolis Rally of Greece''' ({{langx|el|Ράλλυ Ακρόπολις}}) is a [[Rallying|rally]] competition that is part of the [[World Rally Championship|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.
== General Info ==
The Acropolis Rally has been held for 51 years, making it one of the longest-standing in world rallying. Many famous rallying individuals have won this event including [[Walter Röhrl]], [[Björn Waldegård]], [[Ari Vatanen]], [[Stig Blomqvist]], [[Juha Kankkunen]] and [[Carlos Sainz]], among others.


==History==
Due to the nature of the rally, with a mix of rough, twisty [[mountain]] [[stages]] and coupled with blistering heat and choking dust, the Acropolis Rally is one of the toughest on the world rally circuit. Cars that are used in this race have to be build with extra sturdiness in order to cope with the fast but rock-strewn stages. Drivers and co-drivers also have to content with the pounding terrain and high summer temperatures which often reach 50[[celsius|°C]] within the cockpit.
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 Sr.|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]].
In 2005, a new stage was introduced. The superspecial was held within the [[Olympic Stadium (Athens)|Olympic Stadium]], Athens.


==Super Special Stages (SSS)==
== Winners ==
The Rally is also known for having used great Super Special Stages over the years.
*[[2006]] – [[Marcus Grönholm]], [[Ford]]
*[[2005]] – [[Sébastien Loeb]], [[Citroën]]
*[[2004]] – [[Petter Solberg]], [[Subaru]]
*[[2003]] – [[Markko Märtin]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[2002]] – [[Colin McRae]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[2001]] – [[Colin McRae]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[2000]] – [[Colin McRae]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[1999]] – [[Richard Burns]], [[Subaru]]
*[[1998]] – [[Colin McRae]], [[Subaru]]
*[[1997]] – [[Carlos Sainz]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[1996]] – [[Colin McRae]], [[Subaru]]
*[[1994]] – [[Carlos Sainz]], [[Subaru]]
*[[1993]] – [[Miki Biasion]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[1992]] – [[Didier Auriol]], [[Lancia]]
*[[1991]] – [[Juha Kankkunen]], [[Lancia]]
*[[1990]] – [[Carlos Sainz]], [[Toyota]]
*[[1989]] – [[Miki Biasion]], [[Lancia]]
*[[1988]] – [[Miki Biasion]], [[Lancia]]
*[[1987]] – [[Markku Alén]], [[Lancia]]
*[[1986]] – [[Juha Kankkunen]], [[Peugeot]]
*[[1985]] – [[Timo Salonen]], [[Peugeot]]
*[[1984]] – [[Stig Blomqvist]], [[Audi]]
*[[1983]] – [[Walter Röhrl]], [[Lancia]]
*[[1982]] – [[Michèle Mouton]], [[Audi]]
*[[1981]] – [[Ari Vatanen]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[1980]] – [[Ari Vatanen]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[1979]] – [[Björn Waldegård]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[1978]] – [[Walter Röhrl]], [[Fiat]]
*[[1977]] – [[Björn Waldegård]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
*[[1976]] – [[Harry Källström]], [[Datsun]]
*[[1975]] – [[Walter Röhrl]], [[Opel]]
*[[1974]] – Event cancelled.
*[[1973]] – [[Jean-Luc Thérier]], [[Alpine (car)|Alpine-Renault]]


This trend started with the Marlboro Super Stage held in the city of [[Anavissos]], south of Athens, in the early 90's. After the event base moved to [[Itea, Phocis|Itea]] and [[Lamia (city)|Lamia]] in the early 2000's, a Super Special Stage was used in the outskirts of [[Lilea|Lilea Parnassos]].
==See also==
In [[2005 World Rally Championship season|2005]] a new stage was introduced; a superspecial stage held within the [[Olympic Stadium (Athens)|Athens Olympic Stadium]]. The [[Special stage (rallying)#Super special stage|Super Special Stage (SSS)]] was the highlight of the rally as well as the [[2005 World Rally Championship season|2005 WRC schedule]] and in the same year, the Acropolis Rally was awarded the “Rally of the Year” title. It was loved by drivers and fans alike, as the packed stadium provided an "arena" feeling to the stage.
* [http://www.fia.com FIA Official Website]
* [http://www.wrc.com FIA World Rally Championship]
* [http://www.jwrc.com/ FIA Junior World Rally Championship]
* [http://www.advan.com/motorsports/pwrc/ FIA Production Car World Rally Championship]
* [http://www.Rallystuff.net Rallystuff.net] (Unofficial WRC Fan Site)
* [http://www.rallybase.nl/index.php RallyBase]
* [http://www.rallye-info.com Rallye-Info.com] (formerly WRC-Online.net)
* [http://www.historic.acropolisrally.gr/2006/ Historic Acropolis Rally]


In [[2006 World Rally Championship season|2006]] there were 2 superspecials, again in the same stadium. The rally headquarters and the service park also moved from [[Lamia (city)|Lamia]] to the [[Athens Olympic Sports Complex]]. In the [[2007 World Rally Championship season|2007]] event, the superspecial (along with the rally headquarters and the service park) moved to the [[Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre]]. In [[2008 World Rally Championship season|2008]] the super special stage was held twice at the [[Tatoi]] military airport. In [[2018 European Rally Championship season|2018]], a superspecial was based again in the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre.
== External links ==
* [http://www.acropolisrally.gr Official site]
* [http://www.wrc.com/page/RalliesDetail/0,,10111~9,00.html Official site at WRC.com]
* [http://www.elpa.gr Official Organizers site]
* [http://www.wrc.com/staticFiles/cf/14/0,,10111~5327,00.pdf 2006 FIA WRC Calendar]
* [http://www.acropolisrally.gr/en/show.php?cat_id=40&page_id=622 Spectators Safety Rules]
* [http://www.cityofathens.gr Official Athens Website]


In the [[2022 World Rally Championship|2022]] event, the rally made a return to the [[Olympic Stadium (Athens)|Athens Olympic Stadium]] for the rally-opening super special stage.
[[Category:Rally competitions]]
[[Category:Sport in Athens]]


==Historic locations==
[[fr:Rallye de l'Acropole]]
The Acropolis Rally started out as a marathon/endurance type event back in the early 50's. When the rally became part of the [[World Rally Championship]] after 1973, the crews had to face up to 800 competitive kilometers, in some of the most gruelling stages and conditions imaginable. This trip involved locations all over Greece up to the late 80's, such as the more known [[Kalambaka]] and [[Meteora]], stages near [[Mount Olympus]], [[Attica]], [[Central Greece (geographic region)|Central Greece]], and even down south in the [[Peloponnese]]. The traditional start always took place under the legendary [[Acropolis]] in Athens, and the finish ceremony was carried out in the [[Panathenaic stadium]].
[[pl:Rajd Grecji]]

==Recent years==
With rallies ever so shrinking due to the new demands of the [[World Rally Championship]] and transitioning to "sprint" type events, the Acropolis Rally followed suit, basing the whole rally in certain areas and using stages nearby. The classic rally headquarters in the 90's and early 2000's were the cities of [[Lamia (city)|Lamia]] and [[Itea, Phocis|Itea]].
In 2005, the rally headquarters and the service park moved from [[Lamia (city)|Lamia]] to the [[Athens Olympic Sports Complex]] and then in the [[2007 World Rally Championship season|2007]] event, the rally headquarters and the service park moved to the [[Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre]]. In [[2008 World Rally Championship season|2008]], the headquarters where situated at the [[Tatoi]] military airport, and that was the last time since that the rally was based in [[Attica]], and that special stages were used in that area. In 2009 the rally headquarters and the service park were moved to the Greek city of [[Loutraki]] near the [[Isthmus of Corinth|Corinth Canal]] with stages in [[Argolis]] and [[Corinthia]] used for the rally. For the [[2016 European Rally Championship|2016 ERC Season]], the rally headquarters were moved back to the classic and much loved mountain stages near [[Lamia (city)|Lamia]].

==Classic stages==
The best stages in Greece are undoubtedly in the [[Phthiotis]] and [[Phokis]] regions, mainly around the [[Mount Parnassus|Parnassus]] and [[Mount Giona|Giona]] mountains. Recently used stages like Bauxites/Karoutes, Drosohori, [[Pavliani]], [[Kaloskopi]], Elatia, [[Rengini]], [[Eleftherohori]] and [[Moschokarya]] are favorites amongst drivers and fans alike, due to their fast and flowing nature, allowing the cars to reach their full potential, in a rally where it is otherwise risky to push hard, due to the hard surface which can damage the cars heavily. The same goes for other famous rally stages in Greece, like the [[Kineta]] and Aghi Theodori stages around the [[Geraneia]] mountains in [[Corinthia]], [[Prodromos, Greece|Prodromos]], [[Livadeia]] and [[Thiva]] in [[Boeotia]], [[Parnon]]as in mainland [[Peloponnese]]. Other honorable mentions include the fast and beautiful [[Parnitha]] stage, the car breaker [[Hymettus|Ymitos]], plus the Assopia and Aghia Sotira stages in [[Attica]], as well as the spectacular [[Meteora]] stage which was last used in the late 80's in the longer version of the rally. Several stages feature significant archeological landmarks like the "Klenia-Mycenae" stage which includes the Archeological site of [[Mycenae]]. It's worth mentioning, that many favourite classic special stages (f.e. Grammeni Oxia, Gardiki, Hani Zagana, Evangelistria, Prodromos, Aliki, Loukissia) were asphalt paved at some point in the past, so it is no longer possible for them to be used in the Acropolis Rally, since it is a mainly gravel-based event.

==The "Tarzan" test in Evrytania==
This special stage, originally called the Fourna and Rentina test, is an unusually difficult 30.3 km test. The name "Tarzan" originates from Giorgos Burgos, who was from [[Fourna]] in [[Evritania]], lived in Athens and was a police officer. He suffered from [[tuberculosis]] and was given a few months to live. He then moved to [[Fourna]], and reached the age of 92. The Acropolis rally passed through the hut of Giorgos, whose nickname was "Tarzan", from the 22nd edition of the rally in [[1975 World Rally Championship season|1975]]. At that time the special route was called "Fourna". The stage first appeared under the new name "Tarzan" in the 26th Acropolis Rally in [[1979 World Rally Championship season|1979]], in honor of Giorgos Bourgos, who was by then a well known and liked figure amongst the drivers and the organisers of the event. The presence of the full stage in the rally was continuous until the 42nd running of
the event in [[1995 World Rally Championship season|1995]]. For its last four years the route was renamed "Rentina-Tarzan", after using the second half of the classic 30,3 km (finishing in [[Tsoukka]]).

In the Acropolis Rally of [[2003 World Rally Championship season|2003]], when the event reached its 50th anniversary, a shortened 20.65 km version of the stage, called "New Tarzan", was held twice, paying tribute to the route's legacy in the event.

[[Didier Auriol]] in June [[1991 World Rally Championship season|1991]], dismantled a wheelrim and his suspension there, losing the lead and the overall victory in the race. Nevertheless, he later stated that "Tarzan" was his favorite Acropolis Rally special stage.

The Tarzan stage returns in the 2021 Acropolis Rally, as the Power Stage of the event, together with many other classic tests.

==Return to the WRC in 2021==
In August 2020, rumours started to emerge about the possible return of the rally to the [[World Rally Championship]]. Greek Prime Minister [[Kyriakos Mitsotakis]] assured that the government was ready to support the organizers financially. In late December of the same year, the Hellenic Ministry of Sport agreed with the Organizing Committee for Motorsport to revive the Acropolis Rally.

In March 2021, it was officially announced that the Acropolis Rally of Gods would return for the 2021 World Rally Championship, taking place in September of the same year, with [[Lamia (city)|Lamia]] as the host city.

==Winners==
[[File:Ss6 garde.jpg|thumb|[[Toni Gardemeister]] with [[Ford Focus RS WRC|Ford Focus RS WRC 05]] at the 2005 event]]
[[File:Ss6 rovanpera2.jpg|thumb|[[Harri Rovanperä]] with a [[Mitsubishi Lancer WRC|Mitsubishi Lancer WRC05]] at the 2005 event.]]
[[File:Ss6 solberg.jpg|thumb|[[Petter Solberg]] with a [[Subaru Impreza|Subaru Impreza WRC05]] at the 2005 event]]
[[File:Acr2011 550.jpg|thumb|Loeb with [[Citroën DS3 WRC]] at the [[2011 Acropolis Rally|2011 event]]]]
[[Image:Xavier Pons - 2006 Acropolis Rally.jpg|thumb|[[Xavier Pons]] with a [[Citroën Xsara WRC]] at the [[2006 Acropolis Rally|2006 event]].]]
[[Image:Nasser Al-Attiyah - 2006 Acropolis Rally.jpg|thumb|[[Nasser Al-Attiyah]] driving a [[Subaru Impreza WRX STI]] at the 2006 event.]]

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:87%; text-align:left; border:grey solid 1px; border-collapse:collapse; background:#ffffff;"
!Year!!Driver<br>Co-driver!!Car!!Championship
|-
|1951||{{flagicon|GRE|old}} Petros Peratikos||{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Fiat 1400]]||
|-
|1952||{{flagicon|GRE|old}} Johnny Pesmatzoglou||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chevrolet Deluxe]]||(as ELPA Rally)
|-
|1953||{{flagicon|GRE|old}} Nikos Papamichail|| {{flagicon|GRB}} [[Jaguar XK120]]||
|-
|1954||{{flagicon|GRE|old}} Pétros Papadópoulos|| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Opel Rekord]]||
|-
|1955||{{flagicon|GRE|old}} Johnny Pesmatzoglou|| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Opel Kapitän]]||
|-
|1956||{{flagicon|FRG}} Walter Shock|| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Mercedes-Benz 300 SL]]||
|-
|1957||{{flagicon|FRA|1830}} Jean-Pierre Estager|| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Ferrari 250 GT]]||
|-
|1958||{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Luigi Villoresi]]|| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lancia Aurelia B20 GT]]||
|-
|1959||{{flagicon|FRG}} Wolfgang Levy|| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Auto Union 1000]]||
|-
|1960|| {{flagicon|FRG}} [[Walter Shock]]<br>{{flagicon|FRG}} [[Rolf Moll (co-driver)|Rolf Moll]] || {{flagicon|GER}} [[Mercedes-Benz W111|Mercedes-Benz 220 SE]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|1961||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Erik Carlsson]]<br> {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Walter Karlsson]] || {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Saab 96]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|1962||{{flagicon|FRG}} [[Eugen Böhringer]]<br>{{flagicon|FRG}} [[Peter Lang (rally driver)|Peter Lang]] || {{flagicon|GER}} [[Mercedes-Benz W111|Mercedes-Benz 220 SE]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|1963||{{flagicon|FRG}} [[Eugen Böhringer]]<br>{{flagicon|FRG}} [[Rolf Knoll]] || {{flagicon|GER}} [[Mercedes-Benz W112|Mercedes-Benz 300 SE]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|1964||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Tom Trana]]<br>{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Gunnar Thermanius]] || {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Volvo PV 544]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|1965||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Carl-Magnus Skogh]]<br>{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Lennart Berggren]] || {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Volvo Amazon|Volvo Amazon 122S]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|1966||{{flagicon|SWE}} Bengt Söderström<br>{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Gunnar Palm]] || {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Ford Cortina Lotus]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|1967||{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Paddy Hopkirk]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Ron Crellin]] || {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Mini Cooper S]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|1968|| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Roger Clark (rally driver)|Roger Clark]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Jim Porter (co-driver)|Jim Porter]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Escort Twin Cam]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|1969|| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Pauli Toivonen]]<br>{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Martti Kolari]] || {{flagicon|GER}} [[Porsche 911 S]] ||
|-
|1970|| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean-Luc Thérier]]<br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Marcel Callewaert]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Alpine A110|Alpine-Renault A110 1600]] || [[International Championship for Manufacturers|IMC]]
|-
|1971|| {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Ove Andersson]]<br>{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Arne Hertz]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Alpine A110|Alpine-Renault A110 1600]]|| [[International Championship for Manufacturers|IMC]]
|-
|1972||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Håkan Lindberg]]<br> {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Helmut Eisendle]] || {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Fiat 124 Sport Spider]] || [[International Championship for Manufacturers|IMC]]
|-
|[[1973 Acropolis Rally|1973]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean-Luc Thérier]]<br> {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Christian Delferrier]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Alpine A110|Alpine-Renault A110 1800]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1974||colspan=3|''Event cancelled due to the oil crisis.''
|-
|1975||{{flagicon|FRG}} [[Walter Röhrl]]<br> {{flagicon|FRG}} [[Jochen Berger]] || {{flagicon|GER}} [[Opel Ascona#Ascona A (1970–1975)|Opel Ascona 1.9 SR]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1976||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Harry Källström]]<br> {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Claes-Göran Andersson]] || {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Datsun Violet 160J]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1977||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Björn Waldegård]]<br> {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Hans Thorszelius]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Escort (Europe)#Second generation (1974–1980)|Ford Escort RS 1800]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1978||{{flagicon|FRG}} [[Walter Röhrl]]<br> {{flagicon|FRG}} [[Christian Geistdörfer]] || {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Fiat 131 Abarth]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1979||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Björn Waldegård]]<br> {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Hans Thorszelius]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Escort (Europe)#Second generation (1974–1980)|Ford Escort RS 1800]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1980||{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Ari Vatanen]]<br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[David Richards (racing)|David Richards]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Escort (Europe)#Second generation (1974–1980)|Ford Escort RS 1800]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1981||{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Ari Vatanen]]<br> {{flagicon|GBR}} [[David Richards (racing)|David Richards]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Escort (Europe)#Second generation (1974–1980)|Ford Escort RS 1800]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1982||{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Michèle Mouton]]<br> {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Fabrizia Pons]] || {{flagicon|GER}} [[Audi Quattro]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1983||{{flagicon|FRG}} [[Walter Röhrl]]<br> {{flagicon|FRG}} [[Christian Geistdörfer]] || {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lancia 037 Rally]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1984||{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Stig Blomqvist]]<br> {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Björn Cederberg]] || {{flagicon|GER}} [[Audi Quattro A2]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1985||{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Timo Salonen]]<br> {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Seppo Harjanne]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 E2]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1986||{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Juha Kankkunen]]<br> {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Juha Piironen]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 E2]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1987|| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Markku Alén]]<br> {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Ilkka Kivimäki]] || {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lancia Delta Group A|Lancia Delta HF 4WD]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1988|| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Miki Biasion]]<br> {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Tiziano Siviero]] || {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lancia Delta Group A|Lancia Delta HF Integrale]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1989|| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Miki Biasion]]<br> {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Tiziano Siviero]] || {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lancia Delta Group A|Lancia Delta HF Integrale]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1990||{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Carlos Sainz Sr.|Carlos Sainz]]<br> {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Luis Moya]] || {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Toyota Celica GT-Four]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1991||{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Juha Kankkunen]]<br> {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Juha Piironen]] || {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lancia Delta Group A|Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1992||{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Didier Auriol]]<br> {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Bernard Occelli]] || {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lancia Delta Group A|Lancia Delta HF Integrale]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1993|| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Miki Biasion]]<br> {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Tiziano Siviero]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Escort RS Cosworth]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1994|| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Carlos Sainz Sr.|Carlos Sainz]]<br> {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Luis Moya]] || {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Subaru Impreza 555]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1995|| {{flagicon|GRE}} [[Aris Vovos]]<br> {{flagicon|GRE}} Kostas Stefanis || {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lancia Delta Group A|Lancia Delta HF Integrale]] || [[FIA 2-Litre World Rally Cup|FIA 2-Litre Cup]]
|-
|1996|| {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Colin McRae]]<br>{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Derek Ringer]] || {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Subaru Impreza 555]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1997|| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Carlos Sainz Sr.|Carlos Sainz]]<br> {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Luis Moya]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Escort WRC]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1998|| {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Colin McRae]]<br>{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Nicky Grist]] || {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Subaru Impreza WRC|Subaru Impreza S4 WRC '98]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|1999|| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Richard Burns]]<br>{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Robert Reid (co-driver)|Robert Reid]] || {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Subaru Impreza WRC|Subaru Impreza S5 WRC '99]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2000 Acropolis Rally|2000]]|| {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Colin McRae]]<br>{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Nicky Grist]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Focus RS WRC]] 00 || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2001 Acropolis Rally|2001]] || {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Colin McRae]]<br>{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Nicky Grist]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Focus RS WRC 01]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2002 Acropolis Rally|2002]] || {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Colin McRae]]<br>{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Nicky Grist]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Focus RS WRC 01]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2003 Acropolis Rally|2003]] || {{flagicon|EST}} [[Markko Märtin]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Michael Park (co-driver)|Michael Park]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Focus RS WRC 03]] ||[[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2004 Acropolis Rally|2004]] || {{flagicon|NOR}} [[Petter Solberg]]<br>{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Phil Mills]] || {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Subaru Impreza WRC|Subaru Impreza S10 WRC '04]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2005 Acropolis Rally|2005]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Loeb]]<br>{{flagicon|MON}} [[Daniel Elena]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Citroën Xsara WRC]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2006 Acropolis Rally|2006]] || {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Marcus Grönholm]]<br>{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Timo Rautiainen (co-driver)|Timo Rautiainen]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Focus RS WRC 06]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2007 Acropolis Rally|2007]] || {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Marcus Grönholm]]<br>{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Timo Rautiainen (co-driver)|Timo Rautiainen]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Focus RS WRC 06]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2008 Acropolis Rally|2008]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Loeb]]<br>{{flagicon|MON}} [[Daniel Elena]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Citroën C4 WRC]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2009 Acropolis Rally|2009]] || {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Mikko Hirvonen]]<br>{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Jarmo Lehtinen]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Focus RS WRC 09]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|2010||colspan=3|''Not held''
|-
|[[2011 Acropolis Rally|2011]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Ogier]]<br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Julien Ingrassia]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} Citroën DS3 WRC<ref>*[http://www.acropolisrally.gr Acropolis Rally 2011]</ref>|| [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2012 Acropolis Rally|2012]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Loeb]]<br>{{flagicon|MON}} [[Daniel Elena]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Citroën DS3 WRC]] ||[[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2013 Acropolis Rally|2013]] || {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Jari-Matti Latvala]]<br>{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Miikka Anttila]] || {{flagicon|GER}} [[Volkswagen Polo R WRC]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2014 Acropolis Rally|2014]] || {{flagicon|IRL}} [[Craig Breen]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Scott Martin (co-driver)|Scott Martin]] || {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Peugeot 208|Peugeot 208 T16 R5]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|[[2015 Acropolis Rally|2015]] || {{flagicon|POL}} [[Kajetan Kajetanowicz]]<br>{{flagicon|POL}} [[Jarosław Baran]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Fiesta R5]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|[[2016 Acropolis Rally|2016]] || {{flagicon|LVA}} [[Ralfs Sirmacis]]<br>{{flagicon|LVA}} [[Arturs Šimins]] || {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Škoda Fabia R5]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|[[2017 Acropolis Rally|2017]] || {{flagicon|POL}} [[Kajetan Kajetanowicz]]<br>{{flagicon|POL}} [[Jarosław Baran]] || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Fiesta R5]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|[[2018 Acropolis Rally|2018]] || {{flagicon|PRT}} [[Bruno Magalhães]]<br>{{flagicon|PRT}} [[Hugo Magalhães]] || {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Škoda Fabia R5]] || [[European Rally Championship|ERC]]
|-
|2019 and 2020||colspan=3|''Not held''
|-
|[[2021 Acropolis Rally|2021]] ||{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Kalle Rovanperä]]<br>{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Jonne Halttunen]] || {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Toyota Yaris WRC]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2022 Acropolis Rally|2022]] ||{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Thierry Neuville]]<br>{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Martijn Wydaeghe]] || {{flagicon|KOR}} [[Hyundai i20 N Rally1]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2023 Acropolis Rally|2023]] ||{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Kalle Rovanperä]]<br>{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Jonne Halttunen]] || {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Toyota GR Yaris Rally1]] || [[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|-
|[[2024 Acropolis Rally|2024]]
|{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Thierry Neuville]]<br>{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Martijn Wydaeghe]]
|{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Hyundai i20 N Rally1]]
|[[World Rally Championship|WRC]]
|}
<!-- Per nations
{| class="wikitable collapsible autocollapse plainrowheaders" width=70.5% style="text-align:center"
|- style="background-color:#EDEDED;"
! width=100px class="hintergrundfarbe5" | Nation
! width=200px class="hintergrundfarbe6" | Driver
! width=200px class="hintergrundfarbe6" | Co-Driver
! width=200px class="hintergrundfarbe6" | Manufacturers
|-
|{{flagicon|FIN}}||12||10
|-
|{{flagicon|SWE}}||10||9||2
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}}||9||3||3
|-
|{{flagicon|GER}}||8|||6||6
|-
|{{flagicon|GRE}}||6||6
|-
|{{flagicon|SCO}}||6||1
|-
|{{flagicon|WAL}}||4||5
|-
|{{flagicon|ITA}}||4||1||3
|-
|{{flagicon|ESP}}||3||3||
|-
|{{flagicon|GBR}}||2||6||3
|-
|{{flagicon|BEL}}||2||2
|-
|{{flagicon|POL}}||2||2
|-
|{{flagicon|PRT}}||1||1
|-
|{{flagicon|ENG}}||1||
|-
|{{flagicon|IRL}}||1||
|-
|{{flagicon|LAT}}||1||
|-
|{{flagicon|MON}}||||3
|-
|{{flagicon|JPN}}||||||3
|-
|{{flagicon|CZE}}||||||2
|-
|{{flagicon|KOR}}||||||1
|-
|{{flagicon|USA}}||||||1
|} -->

==Number of victories per driver and manufacturer (WRC only)==
<!-- from fr:Rallye de l'Acropole -->
Since [[1973 World Rally Championship season|1973]], the first WRC season.
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break|width=30%}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:87%; text-align:left; border:grey solid 1px; border-collapse:collapse; background:#ffffff;"
|-
! # Wins
! Driver (24)
! Years won
|-
! 5
| {{flagicon|UK}} [[Colin McRae]]
| 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002
|-
! rowspan=4| 3
| {{flagicon|DEU}} [[Walter Röhrl]]
| 1975, 1978, 1983
|-
| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Miki Biasion]]
| 1988, 1989, 1993
|-
| {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Carlos Sainz Sr.|Carlos Sainz]]
| 1990, 1994, 1997
|-
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Loeb]]
| 2005, 2008, 2012
|-
! rowspan=6| 2
| {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Björn Waldegård]]
| 1977, 1979
|-
| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Ari Vatanen]]
| 1980, 1981
|-
| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Juha Kankkunen]]
| 1986, 1991
|-
| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Marcus Grönholm]]
| 2006, 2007
|-
| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Kalle Rovanperä]]
| 2021, 2023
|-
| {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Thierry Neuville]]
| 2022, 2024
|-
! rowspan=14| 1
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean-Luc Thérier]]
| 1973
|-
| {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Harry Källström]]
| 1976
|-
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Michèle Mouton]]
| 1982
|-
| {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Stig Blomqvist]]
| 1984
|-
| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Timo Salonen]]
| 1985
|-
| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Markku Alén]]
| 1987
|-
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Didier Auriol]]
| 1992
|-
| {{flagicon|UK}} [[Richard Burns]]
| 1999
|-
| {{flagicon|EST}} [[Markko Märtin]]
| 2003
|-
| {{flagicon|NOR}} [[Petter Solberg]]
| 2004
|-
| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Mikko Hirvonen]]
| 2009
|-
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Ogier]]
| 2011
|-
| {{flagicon|FIN}} [[Jari-Matti Latvala]]
| 2013
|-
|}{{clear}}
{{col-break|width=30%}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:87%; text-align:left; border:grey solid 1px; border-collapse:collapse; background:#ffffff;"
|-
! # Wins
! Manufacturer (13)
! Years won
|-
! 13
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
| 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009
|-
! 6
| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Lancia]]
| 1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992
|-
! 5
| {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Subaru]]
| 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2004
|-
! 4
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Citroën]]
| 2005, 2008, 2011, 2012
|-
! 3
| {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Toyota]]
| 1990, 2021, 2023
|-
! rowspan=3| 2
| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Audi]]
| 1982, 1984
|-
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Peugeot]]
| 1985, 1986
|-
| {{flagicon|KOR}} [[Hyundai Motor Group|Hyundai]]
| 2022, 2024
|-
! rowspan=5| 1
| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Alpine-Renault]]
| 1973
|-
| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Opel]]
| 1975
|-
| {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Datsun]]
| 1976
|-
| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Fiat]]
| 1978
|-
| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Volkswagen]]
| 2013
|-
|}{{clear}}
{{col-end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Acropolis Rally}}
* {{Official website|https://www.acropolisrally.gr/portal/en/}}
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20070612144337/http://www.acropolisrally.gr/en/show.php?page=links Previous Acropolis Rallies]
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20040514174021/http://2003.acropolisrally.gr/en/history/review/ History of the Acropolis Rally]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080601223023/http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=401&season=2008&rally_id=GR Acropolis Rally of Greece] at wrc.com <!--[http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=401&desc=BP%20Ultimate%20Acropolis%20Rally%20of%20Greece&season=2008&rally_id=GR ]-->
* {{in lang|el}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20060507111800/http://www.elpa.gr/ Official organizers' site]
* [http://historic.acropolisrally.gr/ Historic Acropolis Rally] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607112205/http://www.historic.acropolisrally.gr/ |date=2008-06-07 }}
* [http://ewrc-results.com/events.php?id=10&nation=12 Acropolis Rally Results]
* [https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/news/rajd-akropolu-blisko-wrc/4930990/ Rajd Akropolu blisko WRC]
* [https://www.automotopatras.gr/mathimata-istorias-idiki-tarzan/ Μαθήματα ιστορίας: Ειδική “Ταρζάν”]

{{World rallies}}
{{Acropolis Rally}}

[[Category:Acropolis Rally| ]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1951]]
[[Category:World Rally Championship rallies]]
[[Category:European Rally Championship rallies]]

Latest revision as of 02:33, 23 October 2024

Acropolis Rally
Ράλι Ακρόπολις
Sébastien Ogier driving a Citroën DS3 WRC at the 2011 Acropolis Rally
Statusactive
Genremotorsporting event
Date(s)May - June, September
Frequencyannual
Location(s)Athens, Lamia, Loutraki
CountryGreece Greece
Inaugurated1951 (1951)
FounderELPA
AreaAttica, Fthiotis, Phokis, Corinthia
Websitewww.acropolisrally.gr

The Acropolis Rally of Greece (Greek: Ράλλυ Ακρόπολις) 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.

History

[edit]

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.

Super Special Stages (SSS)

[edit]

The Rally is also known for having used great Super Special Stages over the years.

This trend started with the Marlboro Super Stage held in the city of Anavissos, south of Athens, in the early 90's. After the event base moved to Itea and Lamia in the early 2000's, a Super Special Stage was used in the outskirts of Lilea Parnassos. In 2005 a new stage was introduced; a superspecial stage held within the Athens Olympic Stadium. The Super Special Stage (SSS) was the highlight of the rally as well as the 2005 WRC schedule and in the same year, the Acropolis Rally was awarded the “Rally of the Year” title. It was loved by drivers and fans alike, as the packed stadium provided an "arena" feeling to the stage.

In 2006 there were 2 superspecials, again in the same stadium. The rally headquarters and the service park also moved from Lamia to the Athens Olympic Sports Complex. In the 2007 event, the superspecial (along with the rally headquarters and the service park) moved to the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre. In 2008 the super special stage was held twice at the Tatoi military airport. In 2018, a superspecial was based again in the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre.

In the 2022 event, the rally made a return to the Athens Olympic Stadium for the rally-opening super special stage.

Historic locations

[edit]

The Acropolis Rally started out as a marathon/endurance type event back in the early 50's. When the rally became part of the World Rally Championship after 1973, the crews had to face up to 800 competitive kilometers, in some of the most gruelling stages and conditions imaginable. This trip involved locations all over Greece up to the late 80's, such as the more known Kalambaka and Meteora, stages near Mount Olympus, Attica, Central Greece, and even down south in the Peloponnese. The traditional start always took place under the legendary Acropolis in Athens, and the finish ceremony was carried out in the Panathenaic stadium.

Recent years

[edit]

With rallies ever so shrinking due to the new demands of the World Rally Championship and transitioning to "sprint" type events, the Acropolis Rally followed suit, basing the whole rally in certain areas and using stages nearby. The classic rally headquarters in the 90's and early 2000's were the cities of Lamia and Itea. In 2005, the rally headquarters and the service park moved from Lamia to the Athens Olympic Sports Complex and then in the 2007 event, the rally headquarters and the service park moved to the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre. In 2008, the headquarters where situated at the Tatoi military airport, and that was the last time since that the rally was based in Attica, and that special stages were used in that area. In 2009 the rally headquarters and the service park were moved to the Greek city of Loutraki near the Corinth Canal with stages in Argolis and Corinthia used for the rally. For the 2016 ERC Season, the rally headquarters were moved back to the classic and much loved mountain stages near Lamia.

Classic stages

[edit]

The best stages in Greece are undoubtedly in the Phthiotis and Phokis regions, mainly around the Parnassus and Giona mountains. Recently used stages like Bauxites/Karoutes, Drosohori, Pavliani, Kaloskopi, Elatia, Rengini, Eleftherohori and Moschokarya are favorites amongst drivers and fans alike, due to their fast and flowing nature, allowing the cars to reach their full potential, in a rally where it is otherwise risky to push hard, due to the hard surface which can damage the cars heavily. The same goes for other famous rally stages in Greece, like the Kineta and Aghi Theodori stages around the Geraneia mountains in Corinthia, Prodromos, Livadeia and Thiva in Boeotia, Parnonas in mainland Peloponnese. Other honorable mentions include the fast and beautiful Parnitha stage, the car breaker Ymitos, plus the Assopia and Aghia Sotira stages in Attica, as well as the spectacular Meteora stage which was last used in the late 80's in the longer version of the rally. Several stages feature significant archeological landmarks like the "Klenia-Mycenae" stage which includes the Archeological site of Mycenae. It's worth mentioning, that many favourite classic special stages (f.e. Grammeni Oxia, Gardiki, Hani Zagana, Evangelistria, Prodromos, Aliki, Loukissia) were asphalt paved at some point in the past, so it is no longer possible for them to be used in the Acropolis Rally, since it is a mainly gravel-based event.

The "Tarzan" test in Evrytania

[edit]

This special stage, originally called the Fourna and Rentina test, is an unusually difficult 30.3 km test. The name "Tarzan" originates from Giorgos Burgos, who was from Fourna in Evritania, lived in Athens and was a police officer. He suffered from tuberculosis and was given a few months to live. He then moved to Fourna, and reached the age of 92. The Acropolis rally passed through the hut of Giorgos, whose nickname was "Tarzan", from the 22nd edition of the rally in 1975. At that time the special route was called "Fourna". The stage first appeared under the new name "Tarzan" in the 26th Acropolis Rally in 1979, in honor of Giorgos Bourgos, who was by then a well known and liked figure amongst the drivers and the organisers of the event. The presence of the full stage in the rally was continuous until the 42nd running of the event in 1995. For its last four years the route was renamed "Rentina-Tarzan", after using the second half of the classic 30,3 km (finishing in Tsoukka).

In the Acropolis Rally of 2003, when the event reached its 50th anniversary, a shortened 20.65 km version of the stage, called "New Tarzan", was held twice, paying tribute to the route's legacy in the event.

Didier Auriol in June 1991, dismantled a wheelrim and his suspension there, losing the lead and the overall victory in the race. Nevertheless, he later stated that "Tarzan" was his favorite Acropolis Rally special stage.

The Tarzan stage returns in the 2021 Acropolis Rally, as the Power Stage of the event, together with many other classic tests.

Return to the WRC in 2021

[edit]

In August 2020, rumours started to emerge about the possible return of the rally to the World Rally Championship. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis assured that the government was ready to support the organizers financially. In late December of the same year, the Hellenic Ministry of Sport agreed with the Organizing Committee for Motorsport to revive the Acropolis Rally.

In March 2021, it was officially announced that the Acropolis Rally of Gods would return for the 2021 World Rally Championship, taking place in September of the same year, with Lamia as the host city.

Winners

[edit]
Toni Gardemeister with Ford Focus RS WRC 05 at the 2005 event
Harri Rovanperä with a Mitsubishi Lancer WRC05 at the 2005 event.
Petter Solberg with a Subaru Impreza WRC05 at the 2005 event
Loeb with Citroën DS3 WRC at the 2011 event
Xavier Pons with a Citroën Xsara WRC at the 2006 event.
Nasser Al-Attiyah driving a Subaru Impreza WRX STI at the 2006 event.
Year Driver
Co-driver		 Car Championship
1951 Greece Petros Peratikos Italy Fiat 1400
1952 Greece Johnny Pesmatzoglou United States Chevrolet Deluxe (as ELPA Rally)
1953 Greece Nikos Papamichail United Kingdom Jaguar XK120
1954 Greece Pétros Papadópoulos Germany Opel Rekord
1955 Greece Johnny Pesmatzoglou Germany Opel Kapitän
1956 West Germany Walter Shock Germany Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
1957 France Jean-Pierre Estager Italy Ferrari 250 GT
1958 Italy Luigi Villoresi Italy Lancia Aurelia B20 GT
1959 West Germany Wolfgang Levy Germany Auto Union 1000
1960 West Germany Walter Shock
West Germany Rolf Moll		 Germany Mercedes-Benz 220 SE ERC
1961 Sweden Erik Carlsson
Sweden Walter Karlsson		 Sweden Saab 96 ERC
1962 West Germany Eugen Böhringer
West Germany Peter Lang		 Germany Mercedes-Benz 220 SE ERC
1963 West Germany Eugen Böhringer
West Germany Rolf Knoll		 Germany Mercedes-Benz 300 SE ERC
1964 Sweden Tom Trana
Sweden Gunnar Thermanius		 Sweden Volvo PV 544 ERC
1965 Sweden Carl-Magnus Skogh
Sweden Lennart Berggren		 Sweden Volvo Amazon 122S ERC
1966 Sweden Bengt Söderström
Sweden Gunnar Palm		 United Kingdom Ford Cortina Lotus ERC
1967 United Kingdom Paddy Hopkirk
United Kingdom Ron Crellin		 United Kingdom Mini Cooper S ERC
1968 United Kingdom Roger Clark
United Kingdom Jim Porter		 United States Ford Escort Twin Cam ERC
1969 Finland Pauli Toivonen
Finland Martti Kolari		 Germany Porsche 911 S
1970 France Jean-Luc Thérier
France Marcel Callewaert		 France Alpine-Renault A110 1600 IMC
1971 Sweden Ove Andersson
Sweden Arne Hertz		 France Alpine-Renault A110 1600 IMC
1972 Sweden Håkan Lindberg
Italy Helmut Eisendle		 Italy Fiat 124 Sport Spider IMC
1973 France Jean-Luc Thérier
Belgium Christian Delferrier		 France Alpine-Renault A110 1800 WRC
1974 Event cancelled due to the oil crisis.
1975 West Germany Walter Röhrl
West Germany Jochen Berger		 Germany Opel Ascona 1.9 SR WRC
1976 Sweden Harry Källström
Sweden Claes-Göran Andersson		 Japan Datsun Violet 160J WRC
1977 Sweden Björn Waldegård
Sweden Hans Thorszelius		 United States Ford Escort RS 1800 WRC
1978 West Germany Walter Röhrl
West Germany Christian Geistdörfer		 Italy Fiat 131 Abarth WRC
1979 Sweden Björn Waldegård
Sweden Hans Thorszelius		 United States Ford Escort RS 1800 WRC
1980 Finland Ari Vatanen
United Kingdom David Richards		 United States Ford Escort RS 1800 WRC
1981 Finland Ari Vatanen
United Kingdom David Richards		 United States Ford Escort RS 1800 WRC
1982 France Michèle Mouton
Italy Fabrizia Pons		 Germany Audi Quattro WRC
1983 West Germany Walter Röhrl
West Germany Christian Geistdörfer		 Italy Lancia 037 Rally WRC
1984 Sweden Stig Blomqvist
Sweden Björn Cederberg		 Germany Audi Quattro A2 WRC
1985 Finland Timo Salonen
Finland Seppo Harjanne		 France Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 E2 WRC
1986 Finland Juha Kankkunen
Finland Juha Piironen		 France Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 E2 WRC
1987 Finland Markku Alén
Finland Ilkka Kivimäki		 Italy Lancia Delta HF 4WD WRC
1988 Italy Miki Biasion
Italy Tiziano Siviero		 Italy Lancia Delta HF Integrale WRC
1989 Italy Miki Biasion
Italy Tiziano Siviero		 Italy Lancia Delta HF Integrale WRC
1990 Spain Carlos Sainz
Spain Luis Moya		 Japan Toyota Celica GT-Four WRC
1991 Finland Juha Kankkunen
Finland Juha Piironen		 Italy Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v WRC
1992 France Didier Auriol
France Bernard Occelli		 Italy Lancia Delta HF Integrale WRC
1993 Italy Miki Biasion
Italy Tiziano Siviero		 United States Ford Escort RS Cosworth WRC
1994 Spain Carlos Sainz
Spain Luis Moya		 Japan Subaru Impreza 555 WRC
1995 Greece Aris Vovos
Greece Kostas Stefanis		 Italy Lancia Delta HF Integrale FIA 2-Litre Cup
1996 Scotland Colin McRae
Scotland Derek Ringer		 Japan Subaru Impreza 555 WRC
1997 Spain Carlos Sainz
Spain Luis Moya		 United States Ford Escort WRC WRC
1998 Scotland Colin McRae
Wales Nicky Grist		 Japan Subaru Impreza S4 WRC '98 WRC
1999 England Richard Burns
Scotland Robert Reid		 Japan Subaru Impreza S5 WRC '99 WRC
2000 Scotland Colin McRae
Wales Nicky Grist		 United States Ford Focus RS WRC 00 WRC
2001 Scotland Colin McRae
Wales Nicky Grist		 United States Ford Focus RS WRC 01 WRC
2002 Scotland Colin McRae
Wales Nicky Grist		 United States Ford Focus RS WRC 01 WRC
2003 Estonia Markko Märtin
United Kingdom Michael Park		 United States Ford Focus RS WRC 03 WRC
2004 Norway Petter Solberg
Wales Phil Mills		 Japan Subaru Impreza S10 WRC '04 WRC
2005 France Sébastien Loeb
Monaco Daniel Elena		 France Citroën Xsara WRC WRC
2006 Finland Marcus Grönholm
Finland Timo Rautiainen		 United States Ford Focus RS WRC 06 WRC
2007 Finland Marcus Grönholm
Finland Timo Rautiainen		 United States Ford Focus RS WRC 06 WRC
2008 France Sébastien Loeb
Monaco Daniel Elena		 France Citroën C4 WRC WRC
2009 Finland Mikko Hirvonen
Finland Jarmo Lehtinen		 United States Ford Focus RS WRC 09 WRC
2010 Not held
2011 France Sébastien Ogier
France Julien Ingrassia		 France Citroën DS3 WRC[1] WRC
2012 France Sébastien Loeb
Monaco Daniel Elena		 France Citroën DS3 WRC WRC
2013 Finland Jari-Matti Latvala
Finland Miikka Anttila		 Germany Volkswagen Polo R WRC WRC
2014 Republic of Ireland Craig Breen
United Kingdom Scott Martin		 France Peugeot 208 T16 R5 ERC
2015 Poland Kajetan Kajetanowicz
Poland Jarosław Baran		 United States Ford Fiesta R5 ERC
2016 Latvia Ralfs Sirmacis
Latvia Arturs Šimins		 Czech Republic Škoda Fabia R5 ERC
2017 Poland Kajetan Kajetanowicz
Poland Jarosław Baran		 United States Ford Fiesta R5 ERC
2018 Portugal Bruno Magalhães
Portugal Hugo Magalhães		 Czech Republic Škoda Fabia R5 ERC
2019 and 2020 Not held
2021 Finland Kalle Rovanperä
Finland Jonne Halttunen		 Japan Toyota Yaris WRC WRC
2022 Belgium Thierry Neuville
Belgium Martijn Wydaeghe		 South Korea Hyundai i20 N Rally1 WRC
2023 Finland Kalle Rovanperä
Finland Jonne Halttunen		 Japan Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 WRC
2024 Belgium Thierry Neuville
Belgium Martijn Wydaeghe 		South Korea Hyundai i20 N Rally1 WRC

Number of victories per driver and manufacturer (WRC only)

[edit]

Since 1973, the first WRC season.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ *Acropolis Rally 2011
[edit]
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