WRC2 title contenders face brutal test at Acropolis Rally Greece

The 2026 FIA World Rally Championship heads to Loutraki for the eighth round of the season, where a 30-strong WRC2 entry will tackle the notoriously punishing roads of the Acropolis Rally. With current series leader Nikolay Gryazin absent from this event, his closest rivals have a prime opportunity to seize the championship lead. Yohan Rossel, Roope Korhonen, and Léo Rossel currently sit just four points adrift of the top spot, with Alejandro Cachón lurking only six points further back.

This year’s edition introduces a significantly revised route, featuring 17 stages covering over 323 kilometers. While the event base has shifted to Loutraki, the core challenge remains unchanged: competitors must navigate abrasive gravel, sharp rocks, and intense heat. Roughly 75 percent of the route is entirely new, requiring crews to prioritize mechanical preservation alongside pure pace to survive the demanding terrain.

Contenders arriving in Greece include a deep field of talent, such as previous podium finisher Gus Greensmith and Robert Virves, who seeks redemption after a narrow defeat here in 2024. Local knowledge will be provided by Greek specialists including Lambros Athanassoulas, while American driver Conner Martell makes his debut in the category. With the championship hunt so tight, the ability to manage car and tires over the rough surface will be the defining factor for those looking to emerge as the new title favorite.