The 2025 Acropolis Rally, also known as the EKO Acropolis Rally, took place from June 26 to June 29, 2025, marking the event's sixty-ninth running. Positioned as the seventh round of the 2025 World Rally Championship, this year’s rally was based in Lamia, Central Greece, where drivers faced the challenges of twisty gravel mountain roads amid high temperatures and choking dust.
"This rally is always a test of endurance and skill, and this year was no exception," said Estonian driver Ott Tänak, who ultimately conquered the competition alongside co-driver Martin Järveoja. Their team, Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT, successfully defended their titles, showcasing their prowess throughout the four-day event.
The rally spanned a total of 345.76 kilometers (214.85 miles) across 17 special stages, with participants experiencing a grueling course designed to challenge even the most seasoned drivers. "The conditions were tough, the roads were demanding, but we were well-prepared," Tänak added after crossing the finish line.
The defending rally winners in the overall category, Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, were unable to replicate their success, leaving the door open for new champions. "Every year, this rally surprises us with its difficulty, but that's what makes it all the more exhilarating," said Neuville reflecting on the challenges faced.
For the WRC2 category, the winners were Swedish driver Oliver Solberg and British co-driver Elliott Edmondson, achieving an impressive victory with a time of 4:22:54.8. "Winning here means a lot to me; the support from my team has been incredible," Solberg remarked, his excitement evident.
In the WRC3 category, the Turkish duo of Ali Türkkan and Oytun Albayrak topped the charts, securing the win in both WRC3 and the Junior WRC Championship with a time of 4:39:31.7. „It is a fantastic feeling to take home two victories in one rally. The competition was fierce, but we executed our strategy and performed well,” said Türkkan.
The rally’s technical aspect was not lost on participants, with numerous teams vying for top positions and points throughout various ranks. With 69 crews entering the event, 67 started, and only 49 would complete the challenging course, underscoring the demanding nature of the Acropolis Rally.
"We knew we had to give our best, especially with many strong competitors this year," said Norbert Maior, the previous WRC3 winner who competed again but did not find his footing this time around. The depth of talent in the field illustrated the ongoing evolution of the sport and the emerging drivers ready to claim the spotlight.
The event kicked off in Athens, Attica, before bringing participants to the rally base in Lamia, thus marking another thrilling chapter in the World Rally Championship series.
Overall, the 2025 Acropolis Rally proved to be an adrenaline-pumping success, with the captivating performances continuing to highlight the importance of team strategy, individual talent, and resilience in rally racing. As the rally concluded on June 29, it set the stage for the continuing WRC season.
With the finishing times and results still fresh in the minds of drivers and fans alike, the excitement shifts towards the next rally in the series. The unpredictable nature of the events keeps enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, looking forward to the next challenge awaiting participants in their rallying careers. As the competitors prepare for their upcoming trials, the lessons learned in Lamia will undoubtedly influence their strategies moving forward in the 2025 season.