WRC - Rally Greece

Rally Greece stands as one of the most challenging events in the WRC calendar. This legendary race, also known as the Acropolis Rally, takes place across the rugged landscapes of mainland Greece. The rally base sits in Lamia, about 200km from Athens, with the ceremonial start happening in the Greek capital.

The Rally Greece WRC event earned its nickname "Rally of the Gods" due to its exceptionally difficult conditions. Drivers face very dusty, rough, and rocky mountain roads that test both vehicles and racing teams. The Greek summer brings high temperatures, adding another layer of difficulty to this already demanding race.

The Acropolis Rally features 17 special stages covering 341.43 competitive kilometers of primarily gravel surfaces. Famous sections include the Bauxites stage with its rock-strewn paths, and the legendary "Tarzan" stage, which serves as the Wolf Power Stage in the competition.

Top WRC drivers and teams compete in three main car classes. Rally1 cars represent the highest tier, featuring hybrid powertrains with both 1.6-liter turbocharged engines and electric motors. Rally2 cars lack the electric component but still deliver impressive performance, while Rally3 vehicles provide an entry point for new competitors.

First held in 1951, Rally Greece joined the inaugural FIA World Rally Championship in 1973. The event has seen victories from racing legends like Walter Röhrl, Carlos Sainz, and Colin McRae. After an eight-year break, the rally returned to the WRC schedule in 2021, continuing its legacy as one of the sport's most respected challenges.

The Acropolis Rally demands specially reinforced vehicles to handle the harsh terrain. Inside the cars, drivers and co-drivers work through extreme heat while navigating treacherous roads. This combination of elements makes Rally Greece comparable to the Safari Rally in terms of difficulty and endurance required.

The 2025 Rally Greece WRC event introduces several new special stages and returns to the Thessaly region for the first time in 30 years. The new Smokovo stage near its namesake artificial lake adds fresh challenges, while the Stiri stage incorporates parts of a historic route last used in 2001.

This Greek WRC event showcases both the beauty and brutality of rally racing against the stunning backdrop of Greek landscapes. The competition truly separates the good from the great, as only the most skilled and determined teams can conquer what many consider the toughest rally in the world.