World Rally Championship title contender Thierry Neuville took the lead in the Acropolis Rally, holding onto it despite fierce competition from rivals who grappled with challenging road conditions due to recent flooding from Storm Daniel.
The gravel roads, still drying and loosened from the floods, presented difficulties for the leading contenders. Neuville managed to end the day 2.8 seconds ahead of Sebastien Ogier, with Kalle Rovanpera in third place, 25.5 seconds behind.
Rovanpera voiced his concerns about the surface after the penultimate stage, citing the presence of loose gravel. The challenging conditions led to the abandonment of the day’s fourth stage on safety grounds, although most elite category drivers had already completed it.
Neuville secured the opening stage, while Rovanpera won the next. Former champions Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans also demonstrated strong performances throughout the day.
Despite mechanical issues, Neuville held onto his lead, while Rovanpera lost almost 15 seconds in the sixth stage. Ogier and Evans finished the day second and third, both unaware of damage to their rear wings during the last stage.
Saturday will feature six stages covering over 141 kilometres, with three stages on Sunday, concluding with the power stage. The challenging conditions promise an exciting continuation of the Acropolis Rally.
Racing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the next stages of the competition to see who will emerge victorious in this demanding rally.
