Toyota’s WRC team has dominated the season so far, winning all six rounds held to date. Despite expectations, it was Sébastien Ogier who clinched the most recent win in Sardinia, a rally traditionally ruled by Hyundai.
Hyundai has usually excelled on Sardinian gravel, but this time Toyota prevailed — even though its drivers started Friday with the worst road positions. In Greece, the situation is similar: Elfyn Evans, Ogier, and Kalle Rovanperä will again be “sweeping” the road for Hyundai’s drivers.
Juha Kankkunen will serve as team principal again in Greece, while Jari-Matti Latvala competes himself at the Ypres Rally in Belgium. Latvala came away from Sardinia with a strong impression of his team.
“Sardinia was a great rally for the team and it’s giving us a good feeling for the Acropolis, which can be a similarly demanding event,” Latvala said.
“We learned a lot in Sardinia as we try to improve the car and the drivability, and we had an important test in Greece last week with all the drivers as we look to make another step in the knowledge (with Hankook’s) that our competition is also working hard.”
Last year, Hyundai claimed a 1-2-3 finish in Greece. But Toyota drivers also have strong memories from the event: Rovanperä won the Acropolis Rally in 2021 and 2023, while Ogier claimed victory in 2011 when driving for Citroën.
“Greece can suit our drivers well, as the roads there are a bit wider and faster than in Sardinia, and opening the road is usually not quite as tough. Still, there will be some cleaning to do for Elfyn, Seb and Kalle,” Latvala explained.
“They will need a very good Friday to keep themselves in the fight for the rest of the rally. Taka (Takamoto Katsuta) and Sami (Pajari) also showed promising performance in Sardinia and that’s giving them more confidence for Greece.”
The Acropolis Rally begins with a shakedown stage on Thursday morning. The main event consists of 17 special stages, totalling around 345 kilometres.
