Watch WRC Acropolis Rally Greece — Shakedown Free.

What's at Stake

The legendary 'Rally of the Gods' begins with the crucial shakedown stage, where drivers must immediately find the limit on some of the most brutal, rocky gravel roads on the WRC calendar. With championship points reaching a critical juncture in September, mastering these punishing Greek mountain tracks is essential for title contenders looking to survive the weekend and gain an early psychological edge. This opening session offers the final opportunity to fine-tune suspension setups and tire strategies before the car-breaking competitive stages begin.

Form Guide

Heading into Greece, the momentum is split between the championship frontrunners who must sweep the loose gravel and the part-time specialists benefiting from cleaner road positions. Recent rounds have highlighted the extreme demands of hot-weather gravel events, rewarding drivers who combine outright speed with mechanical sympathy. Teams with robust suspension packages and reliable engine cooling systems hold a distinct advantage coming off the previous high-speed European fixtures.

Key Players to Watch

• Thierry Neuville — The Belgian's precise driving style and ability to manage mechanical wear make him a perennial threat on rough, technical gravel.
• Kalle Rovanperä — Renowned for his adaptability in low-grip conditions, the Finn excels at finding traction where others struggle on loose rocks.
• Ott Tänak — Known for his aggressive approach, the Estonian will push his machinery to the absolute limit to establish an early benchmark during the shakedown.

Prediction

Expect Toyota and Hyundai to trade fastest times during the shakedown as they dial in their rough-road dampers for the grueling weekend ahead. Kalle Rovanperä is predicted to top the shakedown timesheet, utilizing his superior car control on loose surfaces to edge out his rivals. However, the real focus will be on survival and setup verification rather than outright speed, setting up a highly competitive rally.