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The iconic Acropolis Rally Greece will doubtless be a part of the WRC schedule on September 9-12, returning after an eight-year absence. It replaces Copec Rally Chile as spherical 10 of 12, as the South American match changed into cancelled due to persevering with COVID-19 challenges.

2013 WRC - Acropolis Rally - S. Ogier/J. Ingrassia, VW Polo (DPPI)

Greece will return to the FIA World Rally Championship for the first time in eight years after the fabled Acropolis Rally Greece changed into added to the 2021 calendar this day.

The gruelling gravel aspect road match solid a recognition as one in all the WRC’s iconic fixtures after joining the inaugural season in 1973, and WRC Promoter has finalised a multi-year agreement with the Greek authorities for the Acropolis to return.

This would possibly maybe presumably be held on September 9-12 and replaces Copec Rally Chile as spherical 10 of the season. It has unfortunately been cancelled due to persisted dawdle and other governmental restrictions amid the pandemic.

The Acropolis changed into first held in 1951. It changed into regarded as one in all the WRC’s hardest rounds, as twisty and rocky mountain roads blended with intense heat and choking dust to originate a fierce shrink back.

The rally has appeared in the WRC on 38 times and fostered a cult following amongst followers before leaving the championship in 2013.

Colin McRae tops the match’s roll of honour with five victories and other winners embody FIA World Champions Sébastien Loeb, Juha Kankkunen, Walter Röhrl and Carlos Sainz.

Is named the Rally of Gods, Acropolis Rally Greece will originate from its ancient field beneath the effectively-known Parthenon temple in Athens, restoring one in all the sport’s effectively-known image postcard photos to the WRC.

Puny print of the host city and itinerary will doubtless be issued following the usual route inspections by the FIA and WRC Promoter.

FIA President Jean Todt, who visited the Acropolis Rally on its closing WRC version in 2013, stated: “I am gay the efforts of the Chilean Motor Sport Federation and organising team are no longer in unnecessary and we can have the prospect to be taught about one more immense version of Rally Chile in the break.

“Acropolis Rally Greece, which thus will get the change to step into the championship, wants no introduction. It’s a legendary match that comprises one of the most important arena’s roughest phases.

“I if fact be told have such special recollections of it, having competed there as a co-driver on five times between 1970 and 1981, and winning it as Crew Major of Peugeot in 1985 and 1986.

“It’s a pleasure to be taught referring to the Acropolis return at the top level of the self-discipline thanks to the encourage of the Greek authorities, alongside with the solid dedication of the organisers.”

Jona Siebel, Managing Director of WRC Promoter, stated the return of 1 in all the championship’s traditional rallies would perhaps well well be applauded throughout the sport.

“The Acropolis holds an noteworthy chapter in WRC ancient previous and we treasure the Greek authorities’s mammoth dedication in restoring it to world rallying’s high desk. Welcome lend a hand!” he stated.

“Its heritage will doubtless be recalled by all but at the same time, here is a up-to-the-minute-generation Acropolis that sits very simply alongside our other 11 rounds. That doesn’t point out its shrink back is diminished and shall we presumably be distinct the tricky mountain roads will raise the sternest of contests.

“Chile proved a typical addition to the WRC in 2019. Sadly, the country suffered badly from the pandemic closing year and the topic stays complex. We’re extraordinarily upset to lose this year’s match, but Chile an excellent deal stays a bit of the WRC family into the future.” 

Acropolis Rally Greece has solid Authorities encourage and Top Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated Greece changed into proud to have time the WRC’s return.

“Seventy years ago the Acropolis changed into a backdrop to a truly special breeze which changed into identified as the Rally of Gods, an fable annual contest that tested drivers like no other. After an eight-year absence it is lend a hand and, fittingly, at a time of dramatic rejuvenation of my country,” he added.

Deputy Minister of Sports Lefteris Avgenakis added: “We are overjoyed with the diagram to fulfil our promise to the Greek of us and the plenty of hundreds of motorsport followers worldwide. Greece is willing to welcome followers from throughout the arena in September and demonstrate that it’s going to be a predominant participant in world events another time.”


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