Following on from Rally d'Italia Sardinia, the World Rally Championship now heads for Greece and one of the classic events on the calendar – the Acropolis Rally.
Rocky stages and stifling heat will play a key role in the outcome of the event, which features a number of new stages this year; providing an added challenge for the crews.
Special notes:
Success in Greece demands a blend of strength, reliability and speed. Rocky mountain tracks and punishing heat are the hallmarks of a rally that offers a new-look for 2009 – having moved from its Athen's base to Loutraki - but will doubtless maintain its traditional characteristics.
The gravel speed tests west of Athens have a fearsome reputation. Cars must withstand severe punishment from loose rocks which litter the surface of the mountain tracks, as well as bedrock which forms the base of the roads. Temperatures are likely to be well above 30ºC, placing high demands on engines and gearboxes. Because the winding, climbing roads and many hairpin bends make this a relatively slow rally (only Turkey was slower in 2008), there is little cooling from the flow of air.
Drivers and co-drivers can expect a tough weekend for the same reasons. There is no cooling inside the cars during special stages so cockpit temperatures are high and fitness plays a crucial role. Regular fluid intake is vital to stave off dehydration and ensure the crew operates at peak performance.
FIA World Rally Championship news:
The major news in the WRC is that Wales Rally GB will run later in this year, despite the ongoing legal battle between event organisers IMS and the Welsh Assembly Government – which had terminated its deal to back the event early. The Motor Sports Association has now revealed it will cover the costs of the event this season.
Petter Solberg claimed headlines away from the stages after being involved in the rescue of a number of people involved in a powerboating accident.
Sebastien Loeb will take part in the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed with his Citroen C4 WRC.
Andreas Mikkelsen will make a return to the WRC in Poland after confirming an entry into the event with a Skoda Fabia WRC.
News from the Manufacturers' teams:
Citroen Total WRT:
[Sebastien Loeb, car #1 and Daniel Sordo, car #2]
Sebastien Loeb:
"Sometimes you really mustn't hesitate to lift over the rougher parts to make sure you don't damage anything or puncture. Our C4 WRC and our Pirelli Scorpion tyres are very strong, but you're talking here about very extreme conditions, especially when the weather is hot.
"Our 17-point lead in the championship should incite us to try to control our advantage, but I will be out to win. As we saw in Sardinia, nothing can ever be taken for granted and we can't afford to ease up in any way. I'm expecting it to be a difficult event, especially since our rivals have a habit of going well in Greece."
Dani Sordo:
