What’s Wrong With M-Sport?

The M-Sport Ford World Rally Team hasn’t had the greatest luck at recent WRC events, but why is this? 

Reliability Issues

The biggest issue plaguing the M-Sport Puma’s is reliability. With both Ott Tänak and Pierre-Louis Loubet experiencing issues. Tänak’s issues have arguably been worse than Loubet’s however. As mechanical issues have taken Tänak out of the running for the championship. An engine issue in Estonia, broken oil pan in Finland, and a water pump issue in Greece. You may say to yourself the oil pan breaking wasn’t a fault of M-Sport, and you’d be correct. However, that still doesn’t excuse the other issues Tänak has faced. Luckily whenever he’s encountered an issue he’s been able to remain in the event. Pushing back as far as he could in Estonia and finishing 4th in Greece despite penalties. Loubet has also had issues, namely a water pump issue in Greece. What could M-Sport do to fix these issues?

More Funding

It’s no secret that M-Sport is severely underfunded compared to Hyundai and Toyota. With M-Sport having little backing from Ford for the world rally team. This provides a multitude of issues for the team. Namely not being able to develop the cars to be in line with the Hyundai’s and Toyota’s. If M-Sport can get more funding to do more testing and R&D for the Puma it could be more consistent. Obviously, it’s nearly impossible to predict what will happen during a rally. However, the team can work to make their engine more reliable. Getting more funding would also help M-Sport add more drivers to their line-up. Something that is deeply needed.
M-Sport has two options to fix their funding issue, either get more involvement from Ford. Which probably won’t happen seeing as Ford is entering F1. Alternatively, they can look for a large sponsor. This year they have Redbull who gave funding to sign Ott Tänak. Chances are Redbull won’t fully sponsor the team but could give a bit of money like they have in the past with Sebastien Loeb and Ott Tänak among others. Ultimately Redbull isn’t the likely solution to their funding problems, that’ll likely be solved via another source. Who that other source will be is unknown. Castrol could be an option, they’ve sponsored teams in the past. 

Why Is Reliability Worse This Year?

The Puma’s reliability has seemed to have gotten worse since last season. The reason for this is unknown, but it’s probably to do with the car being pushed consistently. Not that Breen and others weren’t pushing the car consistently last season. Tänak is pushing the car in a different manner. He’s trying to get everything out of it, which works sometimes but oftentimes doesn’t when the car isn’t great to begin with.
Tänak has voiced his displeasure with the Puma throughout the season. Even going as far as to say the car can’t win. Although he did win Rally Sweden in the car, that doesn’t mean much. Tänak wants to win, as does anybody. The difference between Tänak and any of the Hyundai or Toyota drivers is the car. The Toyota’s and Hyundai’s are built to win rallies pretty comfortably. The Puma isn’t built to that same level. Forcing Tänak to push the car to 110% of its ability to try and match the other cars. This is where the issues arise. The car isn’t built to be pushed consistently and that’s when the mechanical issues normally happen. You may say to yourself, “Well why keep pushing then?” Because winning is why Tänak and others go out there. 
Reliability likely isn’t any worse than it was last year, it’s just more noticeable. As last season the car was either crashed, out of the event or wasn’t being pushed meaning nothing could happen. Reliability is likely the only thing holding the car back from winning more events. As Loeb and Tänak have proven the car can win and can compete. It’s just finding the consistency in the car and driver.

Colin McRae passed away 16 years ago today. Let’s take a moment to honour one of the most legendary WRC drivers. 

Who Is Colin McRae?

Colin McRae may not be the most famous for championship or rally wins, and that’s not how he won the hearts of fans. McRae was known for his press on regardless attitude to rally. It didn’t matter how many times he rolled or crashed his car, if it still ran he still drove it as fast as possible. McRae was born on August 5th, 1968 in the UK. McRae would pass away in a helicopter accident just after his 39th birthday, on September 15th, 2007. Let’s take a journey and remember the flying Scotsman. 

When In Doubt Go Flat Out

Colin McRae is probably best known for his motto, when in doubt go flat out. It’s still used by some to this day, even if they don’t follow rally or know who McRae is. McRae used this motto and subsequent driving style to win over the hearts of fans. With McRae first taking the hearts of rally fans everywhere at the 1992 running of Rally Finland. McRae would roll his car numerous times, by the end of the event the car looked like a stomped-on tin can. That didn’t stop McRae from finishing 8th at the event. From this point forward McRae was known and loved by many for his driving style. 

An Iconic Pairing

In 1991 Colin McRae was given the keys to a Subaru Legacy RS for his home event in the UK. McRae went on to retire from the event but had earned more drives with Subaru in 1992. McRae took home his first of many WRC podiums at Rally Sweden in 1992. The 1992 season also saw McRae race more than one WRC event for the first time in his career. Racing 6 out of the calendar’s 14 events to finish 8th in the championship. The 1993 once again saw McRae expand his calendar to include more WRC events. This time racing in 8 of the 13 rounds in the championship. Taking home 2 podiums and his first WRC win at Rally New Zealand of that year, finishing the season 5th in the championship.

The 1994 season saw McRae attend the same number of events, however, there were only 8 rounds on the calendar. McRae podiumed twice in 1994, once again winning Rally New Zealand and taking his first win at his home event in Great Britain. McRae ended the 1994 season 4th in the championship. The 1995 season saw McRae compete in all 8 WRC events on the calendar. Taking home 4 podiums, a 3rd in Sweden, and wins in Greece, Italy and Spain. McRae did all of this on the way to winning his first and only WRC championship. After 1995 McRae finished 2nd in the championship in both 1996 and 1997, 3rd in 1998 before leaving Subaru at the end of the 1998 season to join Ford. 

The Rest Of McRae’s Career

In 1999 McRae joined Ford and also had probably his worst WRC season ever. As McRae retired or was disqualified from 11 of the 14 events on the calendar. Somehow managing to finish 6th in the championship however. The 2000 season went slightly better for McRae, as he only retired from 7 of the 14 events. McRae did take home podiums on every event he didn’t retire from besides one. All on the way to McRae finishing 4th in the championship. The 2001 season saw McRae back in the championship top three, finishing second. The 2002 season was McRae’s final season with Ford. McRae finished fourth in the championship, and took home his final WRC win at Safari Rally Kenya that year. The years following McRae’s departure from M-Sport he swapped between Citroen and Sköda. Finishing 7th in 2003 with Citroen, 22nd in 2005 with Sköda. 

Inspiring Others 

Colin McRae’s legacy lives on not only through memories but other drivers who he has inspired. With names such as Travis Pastrana and the late Ken Block, both of which honoured McRae at the Colin McRae tribute stages after his passing. Colin’s dedication and approach to rally and motorsports, in general, has inspired and led to the inspiration of many before and after his passing. The name Colin McRae will likely be one that is never forgotten, or at least forgotten anytime soon. 

The 2023 WRC calendar only has 3 events remaining, and the WRC2 championship is still up for grabs, but who could win it?

When Could The Championship Be Won?

Let’s get this out of the way at the beginning, the WRC2 championship likely won’t be won until Rally Japan, the final event of the season. Why is this? Just 53 points separate 1st and 9th in the championship currently. Out of those 9 drivers, only 5 are candidates to win the championship. Furthermore just 28 points separate 1st and 3rd. Now you may be saying to yourself that the championship can be won at the Central European Rally. It’s possible but extremely unlikely. As current WRC2 leader Andreas Mikkelsen will not be competing in Chile later this month. Meaning he will likely lose the championship lead unless Rossel and Greensmith crash out or have a poor showing at the event. For the championship to be won at the end of the Central European Rally, the driver in first place in the championship would have to be 31 points above 2nd place. Now that the math stuff is out of the way, let’s move on to the 5 drivers who could win the championship.

How WRC2 Points Work

WRC2 drivers are allowed to select what events they choose to score points in. For most, this is every round they compete in. For others namely Oliver Solberg there’s a bit more of a thought process behind it. Nevertheless, the amount of rounds drivers are allowed to score points in remains the same. The number of rounds drivers are allowed to score points in is 5 European events and 1 round outside of Europe. This is something most drivers wanting to win the championship takes advantage of. As missing out on a potential 30 points is massive. Anyway, this means out of the 7 rounds drivers nominate to score points, only 6 will count. Unless they don’t like traveling out of Europe then they can only nominate points in 6 rounds and only 5 are counted. 

Andreas Mikkelsen 

Mikkelsen looks destined to win the WRC2 championship. As Mikkelsen sits 16 points ahead of Yohan Rossel after EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. However as previously mentioned Mikkelsen will not be in Chile later this month. Meaning the gap between him and Rossel will likely close or turn in the opposite direction. Mikkelsen does have an upper hand, however. As after Chile, Mikkelsen will still have a single round to score championship points. Whilst Rossel will only have a single round to score points. Meaning Mikkelsen can afford to miss Chile and potentially lose the championship lead. Mikkelsen will likely compete at both the Central European Rally and Rally Japan to end his 2023 season. Rossel will have to choose one of those events to score points at. 

Yohan Rossel

Rossel led the WRC2 championship heading into Finland. He would quickly lose the championship lead however as he wasn’t scoring points in Finland. Rossel had a rather poor showing in Greece. That being said he did manage to finish third, that’s not how he had a poor showing, however. The poor showing part comes when you look at the times. Rossel finished over a minute behind Mikkelsen at the event. Rossel also hasn’t done great on gravel this season either. Finishing fourth in both Italy and Portugal. However the issue for Rossel on gravel isn’t necessarily his driving style, but more to do with his car. As the Citroen C3 Rossel drives isn’t the greatest car on gravel in the first place. Which raises the question of why is he scoring points in Chile when there are 2 tarmac events afterwards. 

Gus Greensmith

Greensmith had an incredible showing in Greece. Although he finished second, he was fighting a mechanical issue throughout the event. Greensmith currently sits third just 12 points behind Rossel. Much like Rossel, Greensmith has a single-point scoring round left and will be scoring points in Chile. Meaning Greensmith will have a chance at passing Andreas Mikkelsen in the championship standings. As just 28 points separate the two drivers. Greensmith who was pushed into WRC2 after a lacklustre 2022 season in the Rally1 class. Has shown why he is a strong driver who just needed more time and luck in the Rally1 class. 

Kajetan Kajetanowicz 

Kajetanowicz may have the best chance of winning the championship outside of the drivers in the top three in the championship. As he has only competed at 4 of his 6 points scoring events. Meaning he can score points in all the remaining rounds of the championship. Kajetanowicz may sit 45 points behind Mikkelsen currently, and sit 7th in the championship. That all doesn’t matter when Kajetanowicz can score 60 points to hit 123. In fact, Kajetanowicz is the only reason outside of Mikkelsen not competing in Chile why the championship can’t be won until Rally Japan. 

Nikolay Gryazin

Gryazin may sit 9th in the WRC2 championship currently, but he still has probably the third-best odds of winning the championship, but how? Nikolay Gryazin, much like Kajetanowicz, still has 2 points scoring rounds to compete in. Meaning Gryazin has the potential to score 60 points throughout the remainder of the season. He currently sits with 55 points, 53 behind Mikkelsen. However, Gryazin can score 115 points maximum, whilst Mikkelsen can score 138 maximum. Gryazin will have a battle ahead of him, however. As drivers usually don’t score as many points as possible. If it wasn’t for a penalty at Rallye Monte-Carlo, Gryazin would have a slightly easier time to take home the championship. 

Who Can’t Win?

Sami Pajari

Pajari is probably one of the WRC’s best up-and-coming drivers. Taking home his first WRC2 class win in Finland earlier this year. Unfortunately, Pajari’s championship hopes are over. As he currently sits 37 points behind Andreas Mikkelsen. With Pajari only having one point scoring round remaining it’s impossible for him to win the championship. 

Adrien Fourmaux 

Fourmaux was pushed down to the WRC2 class at the end of last season. Fourmaux has shown he can compete this season. With the Frenchman being rumoured to compete in the WRC1 class next season again. Unfortunately, Fourmaux can’t take home the WRC2 championship this season. As much like Pajari, Fourmaux only has a single round that he can score points at, and he sits more than 30 points behind Mikkelsen. 

Oliver Solberg 

From an early favourite to not being able to win the championship. Oliver Solberg hasn’t had the greatest time in WRC2 this season. Although he has been arguably the fastest driver in the class throughout the season. However, it seems like the only events Solberg can finish without issue are those he isn’t scoring points in. As Solberg won the RC2 class in Finland, although he wasn’t scoring points. In fact, Solberg hasn’t scored at points at any of his point-scoring nominated rounds since Rally Portugal, where he finished 10th at. Solberg may have 2 rounds left to score points, but only one will count towards his championship points. As only the best 6 out of 7 point scoring nominated rounds are counted towards the championship. 

Emil Lindholm

Lindholm is another driver in the same spot as Solberg. Having 2 point scoring rounds available, but only one will count. Lindholm is the reigning WRC2 champion, making this a bit more disappointing. Lindholm moved teams mid-season, moving from Toksport to Hyundai. Emil Lindholm has had impressive results so far in the Hyundai, finishing 3rd in Estonia and what would’ve been a top 5 finish in Finland if it wasn’t for his suspension breaking. Lindholm will likely be back in the WRC2 class next season, looking to take home another championship. Although the Fin has been rumoured as a potential candidate to fill a seat at Hyundai next season. 

Kalle Rovanperä increased his WRC Drivers’ Championship lead this past weekend in Greece. How could Rovanperä win the championship in Chile? Find out below. 

How Rovanperä Can Win It In Chile

Kalle Rovanperä will have the opportunity to win his second WRC Championship at the end of the month, but how? The only way for Rovanperä to win the championship at Rally Chile Bio Bio is for Rovanperä to take home 28 more points than Elfyn Evans at the event. Incase you’re wondering about the math behind this all, it’s actually quite simple. With 3 events remaining on the calendar there are maximum of 90 points remaining. All Rovanperä needs to win the championship is 61 more than Evans by the end of Chile. As after Chile only 2 events will remain, with a maximum of 60 points. What are the possible ways this can happen?

-Rovanperä wins the event and wins the powerstage, whilst Evans finishes 9th or lower. 

-Evans finishes 10th and Rovanperä wins and finishes 2nd or higher on the Powerstage. 

-Evans finished below 10th and Rovanperä wins and finishes 3rd or higher on the Powerstage. 

This means Rovanperä has three possible ways of winning the championship in Chile. However, they all rely on Evans having a poor showing at the event. Which is unlikely, but not impossible. Evans finished fourth at the event back in 2019. Whilst Rovanperä won the event in the WRC2 class. Seeing as the event hasn’t been run since 2019, it’s a fresh slate for both drivers. As neither has experience at the event in a Rally1 car, nor does any other driver competing at the event. Meaning everyone has a high chance of making a mistake. Further increasing Rovanperä’s odds of winning the championship in Chile as a result. 

One Year Later

If Rovanperä were to win the championship in Chile at the end of the month. It would be 364 days since he won the championships in 2022. In which Rovanperä became the youngest World Rally Champion ever. Beating Colin McRae by 5 years and 88 days, as Rovanperä was 22 years and 1 day old when one the championship. 

A Great Birthday Present 

Kalle Rovanperä’s birthday is October 1st. Rally Chile Bio Bio ends on October 1st. This means there is a chance Rovanperä can win his second World Rally Championship on his birthday. Now wouldn’t that be an incredible birthday present? 

EKO Acropolis Rally Greece has come to an end. Andreas Mikkelsen took home a dominant win at the event. Find out more below.

Day One

Andreas Mikkelsen opened the weekend taking the lead after the first day. Winning the SuperSpecial stage to take a 0.4-second lead over Nikolay Gryazin. Marco Bulicia sat in third after the day, 0.3 seconds behind Gryazin. 

Day Two

The second day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece was all Nikolay Gryazin. Gryazin may have only won two stages on the day, but that didn’t stop him from taking a 29.6-second lead heading into day three. Gryazin had a relatively easy time to take the class lead as Mikkelsen had three punctures on the day. Dropping Mikkelsen to 13th in class, over 2 minutes behind Gryazin. Yohan Rossel sat second heading into day three, with Gus Greensmith sitting third, 6.8 seconds behind Rossel. 

Day Three

Day three went much better for Andreas Mikkelsen. So much better that he managed to win all 6 stages on the day and temporarily take the class lead. Mikkelsen was the class-leading heading into the third until Greensmith received time back as a result of a red-flagged stage. Handing Greensmith a 12-second lead to start the fourth and final day. Gryazin retired from the class lead on the third day due to a mechanical issue but would retire on day four. Yohan Rossel dropped to third overall, now sitting 52.8 seconds behind Mikkelsen. 

Day Four

Andreas Mikkelsen gained back the class lead on just the second stage of the day. Although there wasn’t much doubt he would do so, as Greensmith had been experiencing issues throughout the day and event. Nevertheless, Mikkelsen took back the lead and held on to take the event win. Although he only won a single stage. With Gryazin winning the other two stages. Yohan Rossel maintained third place to end the event. Although he was over a minute behind Gus Greensmith who finished second. 

Championship Rundown

Andreas Mikkelsen maintained the WRC2 championship lead in Greece. Mikkelsen now leads the championship by 16 points over Yohan Rossel. The championship is still anybody’s game, as just 53 points separate 1st and 9th in the championship. Mikkelsen will likely lose the championship lead in Chile. As the Norwegian will not be attending the event, but Yohan Rossel and others will be. Gus Greensmith moves into third in the championship after a strong showing in Greece. Greensmith moves past Sami Pajari, Oliver Solberg, Adrien Fourmaux and Kajetan Kajetanowicz, to now sit 12 points behind Rossel. Sami Pajari drops to fourth in the championship, now 9 points behind Greensmith. Adrien Fourmaux moves into fifth in the championship, now sitting just 4 points behind Pajari. Oliver Solberg drops to sixth, 3 points behind Fourmaux. 

Mikkelsen Shows Up

Andreas Mikkelsen pulled off a move reminiscent of reigning World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä in Greece. As Mikkelsen managed to gain back over two minutes to take an event lead. Along with winning all the stages on a day, something Rovanperä has made a habit of doing. Mikkelsen’s performance in Greece goes to show why no matter what you shouldn’t give up. If 3 punctures don’t stop Mikkelsen, I don’t know what will.

Unfortunate Ending 

Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg both had unfortunate endings to EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. With both drivers retiring due to mechanical issues. Solberg retired on SS5 due to a fuel injector issue. Whilst Pajari retired on SS12 due to a different mechanical issue. It’s an unfortunate end for both drivers, as they are in the middle of a heated championship battle where every point matters. 

William Creighton claimed the Junior WRC title this past weekend at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, despite issues throughout the event.

The Newest Junior WRC Champion 

William Creighton came into EKO Acropolis Rally Greece with the best odds to win the Junior WRC Championship. However, Creighton’s odds at winning the Junior WRC Championship looked meek after a mechanical issue forced him to retire from the second day of the event. Nevertheless, Creighton returned on day three with one simple goal, salvage as many points as possible. He would do just that, gaining enough stage wins to secure the championship win. 

An Emotional Victory

William Creighton’s Junior WRC win is a surreal one. As Creighton becomes just the second Irishman to win the championship. Who was the other Irishman to win it? Craig Breen. 12 years ago the late Craig Breen won the Junior WRC championship. Breen went on to become a star in the WRC, driving with Citroen, M-Sport and Hyundai. Unfortunately, Breen passed away earlier this season in an accident during the pre-event testing at Croatia Rally. Making Creighton’s win this weekend just that much more emotional for everyone. Hopefully, Creighton becomes a star in Rally’s top level, much like Breen. 

What’s Next For Creighton?

William Creighton will have a choice to make next season. Does he decide to defend his championship, or does he decide to move up to the WRC2 class. Creighton has already driven a WRC2 car this past season. Driving a Hyundai i20 for the Ireland Motorsport Academy at the legendary Rallye Monte-Carlo. Creighton finished 18th in class at the event, among a stacked entry list. 2022 Junior WRC Champion Robert Virves moved into the WRC2 class this past season. Finding mild success so far but is improving steadily. If Creighton wants a chance at the sports top level he should move into a WRC2 car if given the chance. Creighton will have a couple months to decide on his next move however.

EKO Acropolis Rally Greece has come to a close. Kalle Rovanperä topped the podium for the third time this season, along with a Toyota 1-2 finish. 

Day One 

Kalle Rovanperä took the lead on the first day of the event. Winning the SuperSpecial stage to take a 0.3 second lead over Esapekka Lappi heading into the second day. Thierry Neuville sat third, 0.1 seconds behind Lappi heading into the day. 

Day Two

Thierry Neuville took over the rally lead on SS2 and maintained it throughout day two. Although Neuville only won a single stage, he managed to take a 2.8 second lead into the third day. Kalle Rovanperä fell to third overall, 22.7 seconds behind Ogier. 

Day Three

Day Three was were things really kicked off. Kalle Rovanperä won 5 of the 6 stages on the day, to take the lead by the end of the day. That lead wasn’t as a result of the stage wins however. As Thierry Neuville retired due to a broken suspension early into the day. Handing Sebastien Ogier the lead as a result. Ogier maintained the lead until a broken suspension forced him to retire in the final stage of the day. Thus handing Rovanperä a near 2 minute lead over Elfyn Evans heading into the final day. 

Day Four

The fourth day was uneventful, Rovanperä played it safe and didn’t take any risks on the day. Elfyn Evans, Dani Sordo and Kalle Rovanperä each won a stage on the fourth day. With Rovanperä taking the Powerstage win to take home a maximum 30 points. Elfyn Evans finished second, while Dani Sordo finished third overall.

Drivers’ Championship Rundown

Kalle Rovanperä took home the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece win. Beating championship rival Elfyn Evans by over a minute in a half. Rovanperä now leads the drivers’ championship standings by 33 points over Evans. Thierry Neuville remains third, now 31 points behind Evans, not scoring any points in Greece. After a broken suspension took Neuville out of the event lead. Ott Tänak managed to remain fourth in the championship, finishing fourth overall in Greece. Tänak now sits 15 points behind Neuville. Sebastien Ogier also maintained fifth overall in the championship, taking home just a single point this weekend. Ogier now sits 20 points behind Tänak. Esapekka Lappi sits on the cusp of a top five spot in the drivers’ championship, just a single point behind Ogier. 

A Two-Horse Race 

Thierry Neuville’s broken suspension didn’t only cost him the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece win. It also cost Neuville pretty much any chance he had at winning the drivers’ championship this season. As Neuville now sits 66 points behind Rovanperä, with only 90 points available throughout the rest of the season. This of course means Neuville can still win the championship. However, Neuville’s championship hopes rely on Rovanperä and Evans both making mistakes in Chile. Mistakes are rare for Evans, and nearly unheard of for Rovanperä. This is rally, however, and anything is possible.

Tänak Comes Back

Ott Tänak came into EKO Acropolis Rally Greece looking for redemption. Tänak finished second at the event in both 2021 and 2022, Tänak’s redemption wasn’t with the event however. It was with the car and his luck in general. Tänak has had a lacklustre last couple of events. As a 5 minute penalty at the beginning of Rally Estonia ruined his chances of winning the event, although he did make a comeback and finish 8th at the event. Secto Rally Finland was one to forget for Tänak. As exposed bedrock destroyed Tänak’s oil pan ending his rally on SS3. EKO Acropolis Rally Greece also started badly for Tänak. As he was given a 3-minute and 40-second penalty for arriving 22 minutes late to SS3. Putting Tänak out of the running to take home the event win or finish second for the third straight season. However, the penalty didn’t stop Tänak. As the Estonian pushed back into a top-five spot. He was helped by other drivers having misfortune, however. Nonetheless, Tänak did something pretty amazing considering how unreliable the Puma’s have been as of late. 

 A Battle For Third

The Drivers’ championship is now down to a two-horse race with Neuville out of the running. However, a battle for the championship lead isn’t going to be the only battle taking place throughout the remainder of the season. As Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak will battle for the final podium spot. With just 15 points separating the former teammates. 

The fourth and final day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece has come to an end. Andreas Mikkelsen took the lead to take home the event win. 

SS13, Tarzan

Andreas Mikkelsen claimed the stage win on the 13th stage of the event. Posting a time 4.9 seconds faster than Adrien Fourmaux. Nikolay Gryazin finished third fastest on the stage, 5.8 seconds slower than Fourmaux. Gus Greensmith set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.2 seconds behind Gryazin. Yohan Rossel rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 5.6 seconds slower than Greensmith. 

SS14, Grammeni 1

Nikolay Gryazin took the stage win on the 14th stage of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. With Gryazin posting a time 1.5 seconds faster than Andreas Mikkelsen to end Mikkelsen’s winning streak. Adrien Fourmaux finished third fastest on the stage, 4.6 seconds slower than Mikkelsen. Lauri Joona set the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing 1.6 seconds slower than Fourmaux. Robert Virves rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.7 seconds slower than Joona.

SS15, Grammeni 2, Powerstage

Nikolay Gryazin also won the final stage of the event. Posting a time 4.8 seconds faster than Lauri Joona. Adrien Fourmaux finished third fastest on the stage, finishing 1.7 seconds slower than Joona. Andreas Mikkelsen set the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing 0.6 seconds slower than Fourmaux. Kajetan Kajetanowicz rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.1 seconds slower than Mikkelsen. 

Mikkelsen Holds On

Andreas Mikkelsen came into the day second in the WRC2 class, although he technically led after winning all the stages on day three. How did Mikkelsen lose time? SS10 was red-flagged for some drivers, meaning drivers lost time. As a result of the red flag, Gus Greensmith was awarded time that put him 12 seconds ahead of Mikkelsen. This decision was made on the morning of the fourth day, shortly after our day three recap for WRC2 was published. Mikkelsen clawed back 10.9 seconds in SS13, cutting Greensmith’s lead to just 1.1 seconds. On SS14 Mikkelsen regained the lead, taking another 8.8 seconds out of Greensmith. 

Powerstage Bonus Points 

This normally doesn’t have to be clarified, however, this weekend was different. As Nikolay Gryazin set the fastest time on the Powerstage, however Gryazin isn’t scoring Drivers’ championship points this weekend. This means he didn’t get awarded the 3 bonus points for winning the stage. Instead, Lauri Joona takes home the bonus points as he posted the fastest time of the drivers scoring championship points. Adrien Fourmaux took home two and Andreas Mikkelsen took home a single bonus point. 

EKO Acropolis Rally Greece WRC2 Day 3 Recap

The fourth and final day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece has come to an end. Kalle Rovanperä held on to the lead to take home the event win. 

SS13, Tarzan

Elfyn Evans claimed the stage win on the first stage of the final day. Posting a time 9 seconds faster than Dani Sordo to take the stage win. Thierry Neuville finished third fastest on the stage, 6 seconds slower than Sordo. Ott Tänak set the fourth fastest time, 1.2 seconds behind Neuville. Esapekka Lappi rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 8.5 seconds slower than Tänak. 

SS14, Grammeni 1

Dani Sordo took the stage win on the 14th stage of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. Posting a time 1.3 seconds faster than Elfyn Evans. Ott Tänak finished third fastest on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Sordo. Thierry Neuville set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 5.2 seconds slower than Tänak. WRC2 driver Nikolay Gryazin rounded out the top five fastest times on the stage, finishing 0.1 seconds slower than Neuville. 

SS15, Grammeni 2, Powerstage

Kalle Rovanperä took home the final stage win of the event to claim victory. With Rovanperä posting a time 2.5 seconds faster than Elfyn Evans to win the stage. Ott Tänak finished third fastest on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Dani Sordo set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.4 seconds slower than Tänak. Esapekka Lappi rounded out the top five on stage, finishing 0.2 seconds slower than Sordo. 

Rovanperä Holds On

Kalle Rovanperä held on to the event lead to take home his third rally win of the season. Beating teammate and championship rival Elfyn Evans in the process. Rovanperä will take home a max 30 points from EKO Acropolis Rally Greece to up his total points to 200 points. 

The third day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece has come to an end. Andreas Mikkelsen regained the event lead on the day. 

SS7, Pavliani 1

Andreas Mikkelsen claimed the first stage win of the third day of the event. Posting a time 21.5 seconds faster than Marco Bulicia on the stage. Yohan Rossel finished third fastest on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Bulicia. Adrien Fourmaux set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.5 seconds slower than Rossel. Gus Greensmith rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 6 seconds slower than Fourmaux. 

SS8, Karoutes 1

Andreas Mikkelsen also took the stage win on the eighth stage of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. With Mikkelsen posting a time 16.3 seconds faster than Marco Bulicia. Lauri Joona finished third fastest on the stage, 1.3 seconds slower than Bulicia. Kajetan Kajetanowicz set the fourth fastest time on the outing, 2.3 seconds slower than Joona. Yohan Rossel rounded out the top five on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. 

SS9, Eleftherohori 1

Andreas Mikkelsen also won the ninth stage of the event. Positing a time 7.3 seconds faster than Gus Greensmith to sweep the morning stages. Sami Pajari finished third fastest on the stage, 1.2 seconds slower than Greensmith. Yohan Rossel set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 9.1 seconds slower than Pajari. Grégoire Munster rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 8.8 seconds slower than Rossel. 

SS10, Pavliani 2 

Andreas Mikkelsen picked up where he left off, taking the stage win on the tenth stage of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. With Mikkelsen posting a time 22.3 seconds faster than Adrien Fourmaux to win his fourth consecutive stage. Gus Greensmith finished third fastest on the stage, 6 seconds slower than Fourmaux. Grégoire Munster set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 16.3 seconds slower than Greensmith. Alejandro Cachón rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 11.8 seconds slower than Munster. 

SS11, Karoutes 2

Andreas Mikkelsen also took the stage win on SS11. Posting a time 2.7 seconds faster than Adrien Fourmaux to take his fifth consecutive stage win. Gus Greensmith finished with the third fastest time on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Fourmaux. Grégoire Munster set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 3.2 seconds slower than Greensmith. Yohan Rossel rounded out the top five on the stage, 2.5 seconds slower than Munster.

SS12, Eleftherohori 2

Andreas Mikkelsen claimed the stage win on the 12th stage of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. With Mikkelsen posting a time 5.2 seconds faster than Gus Greensmith to complete the sweep of the day and take the WRC2 class lead. Adrien Fourmaux finsihed third fastest on the stage, 11.2 seconds slower than Greensmith. Grégoire Munster set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 3.1 seconds slower than Fourmaux. Kajetan Kajetanowicz rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1 second slower than Munster. 

Retirements 

Nikolay Gryazin, Sami Pajari and Marco Bulicia would all retire on the third day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. Gryazin retired from the class lead on SS8 due to a mechanical issue. Bulicia retired just one stage later due to a mechanical issue also. Sami Pajari retired on SS12 also due to a mechanical issue. All three drivers are scheduled to return for the final day of the event. 

Mikkelsen Comes Back

Andreas Mikkelsen had a disappointing second day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. As the WRC2 championship leader experienced 3 punctures on the day, dropping him to 13th in class heading into day three. Mikkelsen did what should’ve been impossible. As the Norwegian won all the stages on the day to take the class lead heading into the final day. Mikkelsen showed today why he deserves both the WRC2 championship and another chance at the sports top level. 

What To Expect From Day Four

Andreas Mikkelsen leads the WRC2 class by 0.4 seconds heading into the final day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. Gus Greensmith sits second, due to how close the gap is there will definitely be a battle for first between Mikkelsen and Greensmith. Yohan Rossel sits a minute and 4.8 seconds behind Greensmith heading into the final day, so don’t expect much from Rossel. As he will likely try to hold onto the final podium position. M-Sport drivers fill the last two top five spots, with Munster in fourth and Fourmaux in fifth. Munster sits 36.4 seconds behind Rossel and 25.6 seconds ahead of Fourmaux. Kajetan Kajetanowicz sits just 7.9 seconds out of a top-five spot, so he will likely battle with Fourmaux for the position.