Neuville edges Ogier in Acropolis Rally shakedown

Thierry Neuville led the Acropolis Rally shakedown, stopping the clocks just one-tenth of a second faster than Sébastien Ogier. The Hyundai driver completed the 3.34km test near Loutraki in 2 minutes and 13.4 seconds on his final pass, setting the pace in hot and sunny conditions.

The short warm-up allowed crews to experience the notoriously rocky gravel stages that will define the Greek round of the championship. Hyundai is looking to build momentum in the second half of the season, with all remaining events on gravel surfaces. Neuville, a two-time Acropolis winner, expressed optimism about the car's performance on gravel this year.

Adrien Fourmaux placed third for Hyundai, 2.0 seconds behind Neuville, while Oliver Solberg was fourth for Toyota. Championship leader Elfyn Evans, who will be the first car on the road for the opening gravel leg, finished the shakedown in 10th position. The rally officially begins later today with a super special stage in Athens.