Rally Chile BioBio Solberg Takes WRC2 Victory

The fourth and final day of Rally Chile BioBio has come to an end. Oliver Solberg held on to take the WRC2 class win. 

SS13, Las Pataguas 1

Gus Greensmith opened up the final day of Rally Chile BioBio with a stage win. With Greensmith setting a time 2.5 seconds faster than Emil Lindholm to win the stage. Yohan Rossel finished third fastest on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Lindholm. Oliver Solberg posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.4 seconds slower than Rossel. Sami Pajari rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.4 seconds slower than Solberg.

SS14, El Poñen 1

Class leader Oliver Solberg took the stage win on SS14. Posting a time 0.3 seconds faster than Sami Pajari to win the stage. Gus Greensmith finished third fastest on the stage, 0.7 seconds slower than Pajari. Nikolay Gryazin set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 3.6 seconds slower than Greensmith. Yohan Rossel rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 3.4 seconds slower than Gryazin. 

SS15, Las Pataguas 2

Nikolay Gryazin took the stage win on the 15th stage of Rally Chile BioBio. Gryazin would set a time 4 seconds faster than Gus Greensmith to win the stage. Oliver Solberg finished third fastest on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Greensmith. Bruno Bulicia posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 3.3 seconds slower than Solberg. Yohan Rossel rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.8 seconds slower than Bulicia. 

SS16, El Poñen 2, Powerstage

Jorge Martinez took his first stage win of the event on the final stage of Rally Chile BioBio. Martinez would set a time 1.3 seconds faster than Oliver Solberg to win the stage. Gus Greensmtih finished third fastest on the stage, 3 seconds slower than Solberg. Bruno Bulicia posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.1 seconds slower than Greensmith. Nikolay Gryazin rounded out the top five on the stage, 2.5 seconds slower than Bulicia. 

The third day of Rally Chile BioBio has come to an end. Oliver Solberg took the lead in the WRC2 class from Sami Pajari on the day.

SS7, Chivilingo 1

Oliver Solberg started the third day with a stage win. With Solberg posting a time 6.7 seconds faster than Yohan Rossel to win the stage. Jorge Martinez finished third fastest on the stage, 4.6 seconds slower than Rossel. Gus Greensmith set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 2.8 seconds slower than Martinez. Emil Lindholm rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.1 seconds slower than Greensmith. 

SS8, Rio Lia 1

Yohan Rossel took home the stage win on the eighth stage of Rally Chile BioBio. Rossel would set a time 2.1 seconds faster than Gus Greensmith to take the stage win. Emil Lindholm finished third fastest on the stage, 6.2 seconds slower than Greensmith. Nikolay Gryazin posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 2 seconds slower than Lindholm. Oliver Solberg rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.2 seconds slower than Gryazin.

SS9, Maria De Las Cruces 1

Nikolay Gryazin won the final stage of the morning loop. Posting a time 0.8 seconds faster than Yohan Rossel to take home the stage win. Gus Greensmith finished third fastest on the stage, 0.9 seconds slower than Rossel. Sami Pajari set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 4.6 seconds slower than Greensmith. Kajetan Kajetanowicz rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.8 seconds slower than Pajari. 

SS10, Chivilingo 2

Gus Greensmith took the stage win on the first stage of the afternoon loop of Rally Chile BioBio day three. Greensmtih would set a time 0.6 seconds faster than Sami Pajari to take the stage win. Yohan Rossel finished third fastest on the stage, 3.4 seconds slower than Pajari. Emil Lindholm posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Rossel. Nikolay Gryazin rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 2.5 seconds slower than Lindholm. 

SS11, Rio Lia 2

Yohan Rossel took his second stage win of the weekend on SS11. Posting a time 12.5 seconds faster than Gus Greensmith to win the stage. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Greensmith. Sami Pajari set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.4 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Oliver Solberg rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 3.2 seconds slower than Pajari. 

SS12, Maria De Las Cruces 2

Oliver Solberg ended day three of Rally Chile BioBio the same way he started it with a stage win. Solberg would set a time 17.2 seconds faster than Gus Greensmith to win the stage and take the class lead. Kajetan Kajetanowicz finished third fastest on the stage, 2.2 seconds slower than Greensmith. Yohan Rossel posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 7.5 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. Nikolay Gryazin rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 10.8 seconds slower than Rossel. 

Tire Issues

WRC1 drivers weren’t the only ones with tire issues on the third day of Rally Chile BioBio. As some WRC2 drivers also had issues. Namely the two front runners in Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg. The tires weren’t as big of an issue for the WRC2 drivers as they don’t go through tires as fast as WRC1 drivers. However, they were still affected. It seems that the Pirelli’s aren’t built to take 77 km of hot gravel a loop. 

Solberg Wins Round Two

Oliver Solberg was in a battle with Sami Pajari for the WRC2 class lead coming into today. Solberg swiftly took the class lead on SS7. However he would lose it shortly after on SS10. Solberg was able to regain the lead on SS12 to take a 25.3-second lead over Gus Greensmith into day four. Sami Pajari sits 43.9 seconds behind Solberg. However, that doesn’t mean the battle is over. As Pajari will likely look to gain back time to take his second event win of the season. While Solberg will look to also take his second and complete his first points-scoring event since Portugal. 

The second day of Rally Chile BioBio has come to an end. Sami Pajari leads the WRC2 class of cars after the day’s stages. 

SS1, Pulperia 1

Oliver Solberg started the weekend with a stage win. Posting a time 0.1 seconds faster than Sami Pajari to win the stage. Nikolay Gryazin finished third fastest on the stage, 4.7 seconds slower than Pajari. Gus Greensmith set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 6.8 seconds slower than Gryazin. Jorge Martinez rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 2.6 seconds slower than Greensmith.

SS2, Rere 2

Sami Pajari took home the stage win on the second stage of Rally Chile BioBio. With Pajari setting a time 4.3 seconds faster than Gus Greensmith to win the stage. Oliver Solberg finished third fastest on the stage, 0.7 seconds slower than Greensmith. Nikolay Gryazin posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Solberg. Marco Bulicia rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.8 seconds slower than Gryazin. 

SS3, Rio Claro 1

Stage three would be won by Oliver Solberg. With Solberg posting a time 2.5 seconds faster than Sami Pajari to win the stage. Nikolay Gryazin finished third fastest on the stage, 5.6 seconds slower than Pajari. Gus Greensmith set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 3.9 seconds slower than Gryazin. Emil Lindholm rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.1 seconds slower than Greensmith. 

SS4, Pulperia 2

The fourth stage of Rally Chile BioBio was won by Sami Pajari. Pajari set a time 3.1 seconds faster than Nikolay Gryazin to win his second stage of the weekend. Oliver Solberg finished third fastest on the stage, 1.8 seconds slower than Gryazin. Emil Lindholm posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 3 seconds slower than Solberg. Gus Greensmith rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 2 seconds slower than Lindholm. 

SS5, Rere 2

Sami Pajari also took home the stage win on SS5. With Pajari Posting a time 1.1 seconds faster than Oliver Solberg to win the stage. Emil Lindholm finished third fastest on the stage, 2 seconds slower than Solberg. Kajetan Kajetanowicz set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 4.1 seconds slower than Lindholm. Gus Greensmith rounded out the top five on the stage, 2.5 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz.

SS6, Rio Claro 2

Sami Pajari also took home the stage win on the 6th stage of Rally Chile BioBio. With Pajari setting a time 4.9 seconds faster than Oliver Solberg to win the stage. Emil Lindholm once again finished third fastest on the stage, 3.1 seconds slower than Solberg. Kajetan Kajetanowicz posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.8 seconds slower than Lindholm. Gus Greensmith once again rounded out the top five, finishing 1.8 seconds slower than Kajetanowicz. 

Caution: Barbed Wire

In rallying you encounter all different types of obstacles, animals, potholes, jumps, people, gates, etc. Normally barbed wire isn’t on the list, however Gus Greensmith got caught up in some barbed wire during day two. Greensmith would reveal he had barbed wire wrapped around one of his wheels during some of the afternoon stages. The barbed wire wouldn’t cause Greensmith to lose much time. That doesn’t take away from just how odd it is, however. 

Bulicia Out

Marco Bulicia would retire from day two of Rally Chile BioBio on the road section between SS5 and SS6. This would come as a result of Bulicia ripping his tire off and damaging his suspension on SS5. Bulicia sat 9th in the WRC2 class heading into SS5, 31 seconds behind Jorge Martinez. 

Pajari Vs. Solberg 

Day two of Rally Chile BioBio was a battle between Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg. Pajari would lead the WRC2 class by 13.3 seconds over Solberg at the end of day two. However, the two drivers were head and shoulders ahead of the rest of the class. With Nikolay Gryazin sitting 38.1 seconds behind Solberg and 51.4 seconds behind Pajari at the day’s end. It sounds like the Pajari, Solberg battle will continue on day three of the event. 

Trouble For Rossel

Yohan Rossel has had an unfortunate start to Rally Chile BioBio. As Rossel sits 7th in the WRC2 class, just under 2 minutes behind Pajari. Rossel had a chance to take the WRC2 championship lead back this weekend. However, if things continue this way tomorrow there’ll be a slim chance of Rossel taking that championship lead back. It doesn’t help matters that Rossel was experiencing engine power issues on some of the afternoon stages. Nevertheless, Rossel will push on tomorrow and try to claw back time. 

Oh No Solberg 

Oliver Solberg may sit second in the WRC2 class after the second day. That didn’t mean the Swede was trouble-free throughout the day, however. As on the final stage, Solberg would break one of his suspension arms, with 20 km left to drive on the stage. Solberg was able to push on and set the second-fastest time on the stage despite the issue. Although the issue didn’t appear to be major either. 

The 2024 WRC season continues this weekend with the 11th round, Rally Chile BioBio, find out everything you need to know below. 

Drivers’ Championship Rundown

Andreas Mikkelsen leads the WRC2 Drivers’ championship heading into Rally Chile BioBio. However, Mikkelsen won’t be attending the event this weekend. This gives Yohan Rossel a prime chance to move back into first in the championship. As Rossel sits just 16 points behind Mikkelsen. Gus Greensmith also has a chance to move into the championship lead this weekend. As Greensmith sits 16 points behind Rossel and 28 behind Mikkelsen. Sami Pajari sits fourth in the championship, 9 points behind Greensmith heading into this weekend. British Rally Champion Adrien Fourmaux rounds out the top five in the championship. With Fourmaux sitting 4 points behind Pajari. However, Fourmaux will not be attending Rally Chile BioBio. 

A Battle For Fifth

With Adrien Fourmaux not attending Rally Chile BioBio, it creates a 4 horse race for fifth in the championship. As Oliver Solberg who will be attending his final event of the season this weekend sits 3 points behind Fourmaux. Kajetan Kajetanowicz sits 4 points behind Fourmaux. Emil Lindholm sits 5 points behind Fourmaux and Nikolay Gryazin sits 12 points behind Fourmaux heading into this weekend. Both Gryazin and Kajetanowicz will likely be focused on gaining as many points as possible this weekend. As a result of them both being in the championship hunt still. For Solberg and Lindholm it’ll probably be more about gaining experience and putting up a decent result. Nobody will likely focus on the battle for fifth as drivers have their sights set on different achievements this weekend. 

Teams Championship Rundown

Toksport WRT3 leads the WRC2 Teams Championship. With the team currently sitting 2 points ahead of M-Sport heading into Rally Chile BioBio. Toksport WRT3 and M-Sport have no drivers attending the event this weekend. This leaves the door open for Toksport WRT1 and 2 to close the gap in the championship or move up. Toksport WRT1 sits 31 points behind M-Sport. With Toksport WRT2 sitting just 5 points behind the first team. 

Oliver Solberg has confirmed Rally Chile BioBio will be his final round of the 2023 WRC2 season. 

What Changed?

Oliver Solberg did say at the beginning of the season he would compete in all European rounds of the championship. However seeing as Chile will be his final event of the season, that means he won’t be going to the Central European Rally, but why? There are multiple possibilities on why this is, but the most likely is budgeting. Solberg has been extremely lucky this season to be able to run every round so far. Even if he wasn’t scoring points. This is something WRC2 drivers rarely do, but Solberg wanted to gain valuable experience. Solberg was meant to skip Safari Rally Kenya, but his friend Daniel Chwist supplied him with a car. This probably took most of Solberg’s budget that was meant for the Central European Rally. Whatever the reason may be as to why this has changed, or if it has changed is unknown at this point.

Not His Final Event

Oliver Solberg’s WRC2 campaign may be over, but he will still compete in some rallies. Solberg has already confirmed he will be competing in the Roger Albert Clark Rally in the UK from 23rd to November 27th. Solberg will drive his family’s Ford Escort MK2. Joining Solberg will be former American Rally Champion Barry McKenna and former European Rally Champion Chris Ingram. Likely, Solberg will also compete in some other events before the year’s end, although nothing is confirmed. 

What If…

There is a small possibility Solberg could get the budget to run the Central European Rally, however, it doesn’t seem like Solberg is searching for the money to do this. It seems like Solberg is fine with his final event being Rally Chile BioBio. As Solberg likely feels he has nothing left to prove, he’s been the fastest driver in WRC2 this season and has probably earned a Rally1 drive next season.

What’s Next For Solberg?

Seeing as Rally silly season hasn’t started yet it’s hard to say. Solberg has probably earned a Rally1 drive, as previously mentioned, but it’s unknown if there’ll be an open spot. There’ll be an article on Speed Trap Magazine looking deeper into this topic sometime after Rally Chile BioBio has come to an end.

Toyota Gazoo Racing will be making their WRC2 debut next season, but who could drive for the team? 

Younger Drivers

Sami Pajari

This one’s a given, Sami Pajari has been linked to Toyota for the past year or longer. It’s not a secret that the Japanese team likes Pajari. I can’t blame them, he’s a talented driver who could be their next big start. Toyota has a great eye for picking out young stars. Unless something changes or another team gives Pajari a better deal, he will be with Toyota next season. Who will join Pajari on the team will be a bigger question. 

Jari Huttunen 

Jari Huttunen was one of the better young WRC drivers up until the end of last season. When he couldn’t get a drive in the WRC2 class and didn’t have the budget to compete at events besides Secto Rally Finland. It’s no secret Toyota likes their Fins, could Huttunen return to the WRC with the team? It’s possible, much like Pajari, Huttunen is a talented driver. He’s also driven a Rally1 car before. Huttunen would give Toyota an experienced driver to line up beside Pajari, whilst still being relatively young. Huttunen has 4 WRC2 rally victories so far in his career, finishing third in the championship in 2021. 

Mikko Heikklä

Mikko Heikklä, much like Huttunen is an extremely talented driver. Hekkila hasn’t had many chances in the WRC, however, he has raced in the ERC. Where he currently sits 10th in the championship, boasting only one top-five or higher result. However, that doesn’t mean Heikklä isn’t a good driver. As he won the Finnish Rally Championship last season, and had a decent finish at Secto Rally Finland. Finishing 5th overall despite facing issues throughout the event. Heikklä is a bit older, being 31, but much like Huttunen it would give Toyota somebody with a bit more experience on the team to complement Pajari. 

Erik Cais

Finally a non-Finnish driver. Erik Cais is one of the better younger talents in WRC2. Finishing 2nd in class at Rallye Monte-Carlo last season. This season his highest finish has been fourth at Rallye Monte-Carlo. Cais has the skill set to become a decent WRC driver, he just needs the experience and the right team around him. Toyota may be the team that can give him what he needs to improve. Being 24 years old Cais still has a bit of time to improve and develop to reach his maximum potential. Cais probably won’t top the list of drivers Toyota will look at, but he should definitely be considered.

Robert Virves

Virves is an incredibly talented driver, winning the Junior WRC championship last year, and steadily improving in WRC2 this year. Virves would give Toyota another young driver to go along with Pajari. Being just 23 years old, the Estonian has the chance to develop into the next WRC star from the country. Virves currently has a lot to prove in WRC2 but given it’s his first season in the class he will improve over time as does any driver. For Virves joining Toyota may be a good idea from a future point of view. It’s an opportunity to prove himself to an established team like Toyota and Toyota is a team that can help Virves develop into a better driver. 

Mārtinš Sesks

Mārtinš Sesks is probably one of the most improved drivers in the ERC this past season. As Sesks currently sits second in the championship, winning Rally Poland and Rally Latvia. Sesks has competed in the WRC before in the Junior class. Where he finished 2nd in 2020 and third in 2021. Sesks, much like Pajari is young, being only 24 years old and having loads of potential. Toyota could have their eyes on the Latvian driver to compete with them next season. 

More Experienced Drivers

Andreas Mikkelsen 

Andreas Mikkelsen’s future in WRC2 is up in arms currently. He was meant to return to Hyundai this season after Craig Breen’s passing, but that didn’t happen. There’s still a possibility that the Norwegian driver will step back up to WRC1 next season. Whether or not it’s with Hyundai is a different story. However, if Mikkelsen doesn’t get the opportunity to take the step back up, could he move from Toksport to Toyota? Mikkelsen has been Toksport’s number-one driver for a couple years now. However, it is possible Mikkelsen could move to a different WRC2 team. Toyota would make logical sense for Mikkelsen. As he would not only get to mentor Pajari, whom he’s already teammates with, but he would also be with a team that also runs a Rally1 program. This would make him one of the top choices if something were to happen with a Toyota driver mid-season. 

Kris Meeke

Kris Meeke has pretty much been out of the WRC since 2019. Only returning this season to honour his friend Craig Breen at Rally Portugal. Meeke has been involved in rumours surrounding a return for a couple seasons now. With Sköda and Hyundai being the main two rumoured to have interest in the 44-year-old. Could Meeke return to the WRC with Toyota in WRC2 next season? It’s possible. Meeke has been running a rally program in the Portuguese Rally Championship, taking over for Breen. Meeke also runs a full-time Nitrocross program, but there is a possibility as WRC2 wouldn’t take Meeke away from any other commitments. Plus he would get a chance to mentor a young driver in Pajari and give insight into the car, much like he did with the new Sköda Fabia R5. 

Kajetan Kajetanowicz 

Kajetan Kajetanowicz is an interesting one. As Kajetanowicz is a talented driver, just came into the WRC later than most. Although he did win a couple Polish Rally Championships before joining the ERC and then the WRC. The 44-year-old has a bit of WRC2 experience under his belt and could be valuable for Toyota. As Kajetanoiwcz consistently finishes top five or higher. Something that Toyota could use throughout the season. Especially if they want to try and win a WRC2 teams title. Kajetanowicz probably won’t top the teams list of experienced drivers. He will likely still get a decent look from the team, however. 

Who Could Drive For Toyota In 2024?

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. 

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. 

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. 

The 2023 World Rally Championship season continues this weekend with round 10, EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. 

Driver’s Championship Rundown

Andreas Mikkelsen leads the WRC2 Drivers’ Championship heading into EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. Yohan Rossel who sits second in the championship, will not be at the event this weekend. Rossel hasn’t scored championship points since Rally Italia Sardegna. He did contest Secto Rally Finland but didn’t score points. Instead, he raced the event to gain some much-needed experience at the gravel Grand Prix. Rossel sits 5 points behind Mikkelsen. After winning his home event in Finland, Sami Pajari moved into third in the championship. Now sitting just 6 points behind Rossel. Pajari passed Oliver Solberg in Finland. Although Solberg was the class winner in Finland. Solberg wasn’t scoring points, however. Solberg dropped to fourth in the championship because of this, now sitting 7 points behind Pajari. Gus Greensmith and Emil Lindholm sit tied for fifth. With both drivers sitting just 2 points behind Solberg heading into this weekend. Lindholm will not be at the event this weekend. Meaning Greensmith only has to score 1 point to move into sole possession of fifth. 

What To Expect This Weekend 

It’s likely that the top five drivers will battle it out to try and move into a higher position this weekend. Solberg and Pajari will battle for second place this weekend. Whilst Mikkelsen will try to expand his championship lead. Adrien Fourmaux who sits 9th in points will likely move into 6th after this weekend. As Kajetanowicz and Lindholm aren’t at the event, and Gryazin isn’t scoring points. Meaning he shouldn’t have much of an issue getting the 10 points needed to move into sole possession of 6th place. Marco Bulicia sits tied for 10th heading into this weekend. Bulicia is tied with Teemu Suninen for the position. Bulicia will likely pass Suninen to take sole possession of the position. 

No Points For Gryazin

Nikolay Gryazin will not be scoring Drivers’ Championship points at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece this weekend. He will be scoring team points for the Toksport WRT 2 team. Gryazin currently sits tied for 7th in the championship with Kajetan Kajetanowicz. Gryazin has been consistently on the WRC2 podium this season. Finishing second in Monte-Carlo after a penalty took his rally win away. He also finished second in Croatia and third in Finland.