Watch WRC EKO Acropolis Rally Greece — Shakedown Free.

What's at Stake

The legendary 'Rally of the Gods' begins with the shakedown stage, marking the start of one of the most grueling events on the WRC calendar. Drivers must immediately find the right balance on their gravel setups to survive the brutal, rocky Greek mountain roads. With championship points at a premium as the season enters its final stretch, mastering this punishing terrain is critical for both individual driver standings and the manufacturers' title race.

Form Guide

Heading into Greece, the top contenders have shown highly contrasting form on rough gravel events earlier in the season. Teams that excelled in high-temperature, high-wear environments like Sardinia and Kenya carry significant momentum, while those plagued by reliability issues face immense pressure to prove their machinery can withstand the punishing Greek bedrock. Consistency and tire management in recent rounds will be the ultimate indicators of who can handle the upcoming heat and dust.

Key Players to Watch

• Thierry Neuville — The Belgian driver has historically excelled in rough endurance conditions and will look to use his tactical experience to manage the car's mechanical stress.
• Kalle Rovanperä — Renowned for his adaptability, the young Finn's precise driving style is perfectly suited for navigating the treacherous, rock-strewn mountain passes.
• Sébastien Ogier — The multiple-time world champion brings invaluable experience to this historic event, knowing exactly when to push and when to preserve his tires.

Prediction

The shakedown will likely see Toyota and Hyundai trade fastest times as they fine-tune their dampers and ride heights for the rough terrain. Expect Toyota to edge out the fastest time in the final shakedown runs due to their recent gravel development package. Ultimately, the stage will set up a highly competitive rally where mechanical preservation, rather than outright raw speed, dictates the leader board.