Acropolis returns to WRC top flight
September 2021 date for the return of a classic rallying event
M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson has welcomed the Acropolis Rally’s return to the WRC following an eight-year absence.
The Greek event was announced as the replacement for Rally Chile last week after the South American round was called off due to
Covid-19 restrictions.
Although Wilson underlined his disappointment that the WRC won’t be returning to the city of Concepcion as planned in
September, he highlighted to Motorsport News the significance of the Acropolis to his Cumbria firm.
“It’s our most successful ever rally with eight victories between 1997 and 2009,” Wilson said. “But the one that stands out the most is 2000 when Colin [McRae] and Carlos [Sainz] finished first and second with the Ford Focus RS WRC. That was the first car to be designed and developed here at M-Sport, and a very special moment for everyone involved – and I still have the picture hanging in my office!”
The Acropolis takes Chile’s September 9-12 date and its return to WRC for the first time since 2013 ensures the 12-round schedule is maintained.
“We were all disappointed to hear that Rally Chile had been forced to cancel,” Wilson said. “They put on a fantastic rally in 2019, but we also understand how difficult the situation with Covid-19 has been. I hope we’ll be rallying in Chile again soon, but I also have to say that we have a fantastic replacement with the Acropolis.
“It’s hard to believe that eight years have passed since this event was last part of the championship. It’s a true test of man and machine and has produced some thrilling events over the years – as well as always being a great event for us as a team.”
The Acropolis returned to the European championship roster after it lost its WRC berth for 2014 when Craig Breen and Scott Martin took a debut win for Peugeot’s 208 T16. But the event hasn’t been held since it dropped off the ERC calendar after the 2018 running. The event was first held in 1951.
But what was once the roughest and toughest event on the World championship list is back for its 39th WRC appearance after WRC Promoter secured a “multiyear agreement” with the Greek government.
Although the traditional start under the Parthenon temple in Athens has been confirmed, it’s not clear what route will be followed and whether previous homes Lamia or Loutraki are in contention to host the rally.