The first day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece has come to an end. Kalle Rovanperä leads the WRC1 class after the day.
SSS1, EKO Super Special Stage
Kalle Rovanperä claimed the win on the opening stage of the rally. Posting a time 0.3 seconds faster than fellow Fin Esapekka Lappi. Last years event winner Thierry Neuville finished with the third fastest time, 0.1 seconds slower than Lappi. The returning Dani Sordo set the fourth fastest time on the outing, 0.1 seconds slower than Neuville. Ott Tänak rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.2 seconds slower than Sordo.
Canceled Shakedown
Yesterday it was announced the shakedown stage would be canceled for drivers of all classes due to weather. Storms in the region used for EKO Acropolis Rally Greece have been hit hard with storms as of late. Flooding some roads and turning roads into mud with giant puddles in some spots. Drivers are preparing for a weekend of unpredictability.
What To Expect From Day Two
Day two of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece will be the first full day of stages. Kalle Rovanperä sits right where he needs to be, in the rally lead. Although Rovanperä doesn’t have the biggest lead heading into the first full day of stages. Just sitting 0.3 seconds ahead of Esapekka Lappi heading into the day. Less than a second separates first and fifth so it’s really anybody’s race heading into the day. It’ll be a test of who gets up to speed the quickest. As without a shakedown drivers aren’t able to make sure their car is completely ready for what’s to come. Expect a push from Elfyn Evans tomorrow, seeing as the championship runner-up sits 2.8 seconds behind Rovanperä heading into the day.
*All comments taken from the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece Twitter Page (@AcropolisRally)
SS1-#69 Kalle ROVANPERÄ / Jonne HALTTUNEN
“I have to hope that the conditions are better for me than they are normally in the dry. Opening the road tomorrow will be interesting.”
SS1-#33 Elfyn EVANS / Scott MARTIN
“It’s not going to be easy. I don’t think anybody knows what’s in front of them, so we just have to deal with it as we see it.”
SS1-#11 Thierry NEUVILLE / Martijn WYDAEGHE
“I haven’t felt this good for a long time in the car, so I’m looking forward. There’s a tough rally ahead, but I’m sure we will enjoy it.”
SS1-#8 Ott TÄNAK / Martin JÄRVEOJA
“The priority is a consistent drive, to get the car through with not much drama. That would help after a tough couple of events.”
SS1-#17 Sebástien OGIER / Vincent LANDAIS
“The recce was very challenging, it’s going to be a tough weekend for all of us. I’m happy to be here and I’m looking forward to driving this great car.”
SS1-#4 Esapekka LAPPI / Janne FERM
“I’m not sure if anybody likes the unpredictable conditions. But I’m sure it’s going to be very entertaining.”