Greece – Acropolis, the pump blow

Since 1973 and the creation of the world championship of makes, there have been some strange things in the itineraries. This accelerated with the appearance of superspecials. Throughout the rounds all over the planet, there have been some organized on racetracks and very often in stadiums. Sometimes, in order to bring the event to another audience, it is even in the heart of a city that the racing cars have faced each other. Most of the time, it is something not very natural and which has little to do with the rally, but the stakes behind holding such a spectacle are greater than sporting interests. This will be the case again in Greece.

Since its return to the calendar of WRC In 2021, the event has always sought to surprise by introducing an unusual time trial. The first year, seeing the competitors race for 900m through the heart of Athens, passing the most essential buildings in the country, was truly remarkable. It wasn't particularly pretty, but not all WRC rounds can boast of having an SS in the capital. The following year was also impressive with a 1,95km special stage set in the Olympic stadium. The presence of 65 people proved the popularity of the WRC and it was a major moment of the year. Last year, the starting ceremony took place at the foot of the Acropolis in a worrying indifference. Then, the 000km superspecial stage was held on the seafront in a not very attractive area. There was a stark difference to the 1,48 stage and the contrast will probably be even greater this year with what the teams will face.

Saturday is a long day, 695,64 km long. With 579,41 km of liaison, only 116,23 km of timed stages, 6 SS and no assistance, it feels like a marathon. The Acropolis has a reputation as the most demanding European round, but what is the point of covering hundreds of kilometres for such a short time against the clock? Is leaving the service park for a whole day when the teams are there and the pits are set up a good idea? It doesn't seem very reasonable given the talk of better media coverage and more promotion for the sport.

The question arises all the more since the stage will end with a new innovation from the organizers. In order to honor the EKO brand that appears in the name of the event, the superspecial (SS12) closing this 2^e day will take place around a petrol station. Car parks, roundabouts and even a stretch of motorway have been requisitioned to carry out this great first in WRC. The start will be given at 21:05 (local time) and many questions surround this SS which arouses a lot of criticism among the competitors who have difficulty understanding the interest of the exercise. If the application of such a division is logical for the organisers, it seems that the route has surprised even the offices of the FIA ​​which seems to have been presented with a fait accompli. The verdict will be given this evening, but does not the WRC deserve a setting other than that of a petrol station car park? Will the many Gods present in Greece appreciate the spectacle?