The Greek WRC round was scheduled to start on Thursday evening at 18:05 local time with a spectator stage in Athens. However, the start of the stage has been delayed due to traffic congestion.
The rally’s headquarters is located in Lamia, more than a two-hour drive from Athens. On Thursday morning, crews drove the shakedown stage near Lamia and then fulfilled their media obligations.
The rally cars and drivers began transferring from Lamia to Athens during the day. However, the capital city has experienced such severe traffic jams that the schedule has had to be revised. The autograph session for rally stars in Athens had already been cancelled earlier.
“Due to severe traffic congestion coming into the holding area in Athens, the start of the rally is delayed. New start times will be communicated later,” the clerk of the course announced at 17:40 local time.
Another issue is that not all drivers have had a chance to recce the Athens super special stage. As a result, the rally start could be significantly delayed.
The organisers finally confirmed that the opening special stage will get underway at 19:28 local time.
Updated at 18:10 CET: Organisers have announced a new start time for the special stage.
