Ott Tanak Takes the Lead at Acropolis Rally Greece
Ott Tanak is at the forefront of the Acropolis Rally Greece following a challenging Friday characterized by extreme temperatures that pushed World Rally Championship teams to their limits.
Consistent Performance Keeps Tanak Ahead
Tanak’s steady pace and skill in avoiding substantial delays allowed him to complete the day’s six demanding gravel stages with a 3.0-second lead over his Hyundai teammate Adrien Fourmaux, while Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier trailed in third, 16.9 seconds behind.
Harsh Conditions Tested Crews
Friday was particularly grueling as competitors faced blistering heat, with temperatures nearing 70°C inside their vehicles. In addition to exhaustion, many Rally1 entrants dealt with punctures and tire damage caused by the rough terrain.
Tire Troubles but Strong Performance
While Tanak didn’t register a fastest stage time, he was consistently competitive. After finishing 6.1 seconds behind Ogier at the midday service, Tanak overtook the eight-time champion on stage six. However, he faced challenges, including a tire that came off the rim during the rutted Aghii Theodori test.
Strategic Success for Fourmaux
Fourmaux successfully navigated the day without any punctures, capitalizing on his position. He recorded three fastest stage times, advancing from third to second thanks to a strong performance in stage six that pushed Ogier to third.
Ogier’s Tenacity Despite Challenges
Ogier initially set a quick pace, winning stage two despite the difficulties of his road position. He briefly lost the lead to Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville but reclaimed it in stage four, even after both drivers experienced punctures.
Evans and Others Navigate Tough Terrain
Championship leader Elfyn Evans faced significant challenges on the treacherous roads, suffering tire damage and a steering issue. Despite these difficulties, he managed to rise to fourth place by the end of the day, aided by misfortunes that affected his competitors.
