“Of course this event has always been difficult with the weather and rough tracks, although the new stages might be slightly less demanding on the car. We will know when we do the recce, but to be honest I don’t care if the stages are tougher or easier, I will always try my best.”
Chris Atkinson meanwhile has warned that this event will be very tough. The Aussie has only done the Acropolis twice thus far and while he managed his first finish on the event in 2006, when he was eleventh, he will be hoping for a lot better this time out.
Chris had to settle for a tenth place finish in Sardinia two weeks ago after he hit a rock on day one and had to retire from the first leg. Although he re-started under the SupeRally and eventually finished tenth, to secure the final manufacturers’ point for
Subaru, he knows that rocks could potentially be an even bigger problem in Greece.
“It’s hard to make a prediction but there were moments in Sardinia when we were right where we wanted to be,” he stated. “Our pace on the opening morning was promising and right now we’re trying to ensure we can attack like that all the way through the Acropolis Rally.
“We already know it’s going to be one of the toughest events of the year. The rally throws up so many variables and you’ve got to stay sharp from start to finish.”
Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally team:
[
Jari-Matti Latvala, car #9 and
Henning Solberg, car #10]
After taking the early lead on the Rally d’Italia Sardegna two weeks ago, Jari-Matti Latvala could be one to watch on the Acropolis. The Finn looked well set to get a top result in Sardinia until he hit a rock on the second loop on day one and had to retire from the leg.
Although he re-started and managed to finish ninth to score two manufacturers’ points, his early form surprised many. Now he will need to build on that and this will be his fourth appearance on the Greek event.
