The World Rally Championship is currently in the midst of a trio of back-to-back Mediterranean events and following the Rally d'Italia Sardegna, next up is the legendary Acropolis Rally of Greece - one of the oldest and most prestigious rounds in the series.
The all-gravel event has changed beyond recognition since it was first run as an asphalt rally in 1951, but the traditional start at the Acropolis - the most famous monument in Athens - remains.
This year, the rally has a brand-new base in the Tatoi Military Area, just north of Athens city centre. The stages however are largely unchanged from last year, and as always they have a fearsome reputation.
Special notes:
Rocky mountain tracks, punishing heat and physically demanding cockpit conditions are the hallmarks of the Acropolis, widely regarded as the toughest challenge in the WRC.
Success in Greece, round seven of the 15-event series and one of the championship's classic fixtures, demands a blend of strength, reliability and speed.
The Acropolis Rally's 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 hard bedrock which forms the base of the roads.
Air temperatures often exceed 30ºC, placing high demands on engines and gearboxes and because the winding roads and hairpins make this a relatively slow rally (only Argentina was slower in 2007), there is little cooling from the through-flow of air.
Drivers, too, can expect a tough time 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.
A regular fluid intake is also vital to stave off dehydration and ensure drivers and co-drivers operate at peak performance.
FIA World Rally Championship news:
Mikko Hirvonen remains in the lead in the race for the 2008 drivers' title following his runners-up spot on the Rally d'Italia Sardegna two weeks ago.
