2025
From Attica and Central Greece to the Peloponnese, from the event’s iconic and time-honoured special stages to the new challenges introduced for this year’s edition, including the EKO Super Special Stage at The Ellinikon Sports Park, the “Rally of Gods” returns refreshed, ambitious and more outward-looking than ever.
The EKO Acropolis Rally combines innovation with its 73-year FIA World Rally Championship legacy. For the first time since 1991, the sea plays a vital role as crews and Rally1 cars travel by sea aboard Superfast IV from Corinth to Itea, reviving the sport's romantic history.
At the same time, thousands of fans gathered at The Ellinikon Sports Park, the new sports and wellness destination within The Ellinikon redevelopment project, where 57 crews representing 24 countries officially got the rally underway in a festive atmosphere. The ceremonial start was given by Greece’s Alternate Minister of Sports, Giannis Vroutsis, who described the EKO Acropolis Rally as “a landmark cultural event that extends far beyond the boundaries of motorsport.” Among those attending the ceremony was the Vice President of the Government, Kostis Hatzidakis.
As the parallel-format Super Special Stage echoed with the roar of rally cars’ engines and the sea breeze mingled with the unmistakable scent of hot tyres, the 2026 EKO Acropolis Rally officially came to life. The crews thrilled spectators with an entertaining show, while drivers were unanimous in their admiration for the impressive turnout.
On the sporting front, Sebastien Ogier, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, set the fastest time, once again demonstrating his mastery of the discipline. Takamoto Katsuta, also in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, finished second, underscoring his excellent current form. Thierry Neuville secured third place in his Hyundai i20 N Rally1, breaking Toyota’s dominance, with Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg completing the top five. In WRC2, Yohan Rossel topped the category in the Lancia Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2.
As always, the EKO Acropolis Rally promises to be unpredictable, demanding and spectacular. It is a contest of speed, strategy, courage and decision-making. On Greece’s unforgiving gravel roads, victory rarely goes to the outright fastest crew. Instead, it rewards those who maintain a smart pace, avoid costly mistakes and manage the relentless demands placed on driver and machine.
Action resumes tomorrow in Central Greece with nearly 130 km of stages.
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