While Toyota drivers struggled with mistakes and technical issues, Hyundai’s trio successfully navigated the tough challenges of the Acropolis Rally. Although both Ott Tänak and Dani Sordo suffered punctures, Hyundai still managed to secure a triple podium finish.
Thierry Neuville was crowned the winner, extending his lead in the WRC standings. Tänak, who finished third, moved up to second in the championship points, while part-time driver Sordo secured valuable points for the team by finishing in second place.
See the full WRC standings here.
Hyundai repeated the feat they achieved in 2022 at the same rally.
“Two years after locking out the podium at Acropolis Rally, we do it again,” Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul proudly stated.
“It is hard to know whether this is a coincidence or a sign of our determination to shine at this event, which is a true test for the crews, the team and the car. It has not been a perfect weekend. We had to face a number of challenges, including punctures that frustrated our very strong result from Friday,” the French boss continued.
Toyota, who is battling Hyundai for the manufacturers’ championship, had a weekend to forget. Both Takamoto Katsuta and Elfyn Evans retired once during the weekend. Meanwhile, title contender Sebastien Ogier rolled his car during the final Power Stage.
Hyundai’s drivers avoided major mistakes throughout the weekend. Punctures are part of the tough nature of the Acropolis Rally.
“Yet we remained focused, kept our head down, and played the long game. We weren’t too greedy, and once again our balanced strategy played out very nicely for us,” Abiteboul said.
“It is a true team effort to have this full Hyundai Motorsport podium; it obviously extends our lead in the standings, however, championships are one thing and the emotions of a win like this one are something else, so for now that is what we celebrate and back at the factory later this week.”
Hyundai collected 15 points more than Toyota over the weekend, extending their lead in the manufacturers’ championship to 35 points. The gap is now large enough that Hyundai would need a major misstep in the remaining races for Toyota to have any chance of catching up.
The next round of the WRC season will take place at the end of September in Chile, followed by rounds in Central Europe and Japan on tarmac.
