Legendary Acropolis Rally Returns to Greece for 2021 Competition

Acropolis Rally Greece last appeared in the WRC in 2013. Photo source: WRC

The legendary Acropolis Rally returns to Greece for the first time in eight years, after the competition was added to the 2021 calendar of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

The WRC Promoter, last week announced that it had finalized a multi-year agreement with the Greek government for the 2021 Acropolis Rally to take place in Greece. It will form round 10 of the season from 9 – 12 September, replacing the Copec Rally Chile which has been canceled due to continued travel and other restrictions amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Known as the Rally of Gods, Acropolis Rally Greece will start from its traditional location beneath the famous Parthenon temple in Athens.

According to Jona Siebel, managing director of WRC Promoter, the return of one of the championship’s classic rallies will be applauded across the sport.

“The Acropolis holds an illustrious chapter in WRC history and we appreciate the Greek government’s huge commitment in restoring it to world rallying’s top table,” he said.

In a video message, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that Greece was proud to celebrate WRC’s return. Source: WRC

The rally has fervent government support and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece was proud to celebrate the WRC’s return.

“Seventy years ago the Acropolis was a backdrop to a very special race which became known as the Rally of Gods, an epic annual contest that tested drivers like no other. After an eight-year absence it is back and, fittingly, at a time of dramatic rejuvenation of my country,” he added.

Host city to be announced soon

Following WRC’s announcement, Greek Deputy Minister of Sports Lefteris Avgenakis said that Greece was ready to welcome fans from all around the world in September.

“We are delighted to be able to fulfill our promise to the Greek people and the hundreds of thousands of motorsport fans worldwide,” he added.

Meanwhile, the General Secretariat for Sports, on Monday confirmed that the Central Greece Region has already submitted a candidacy file to host the 2021 WRC Acropolis Rally, with the city of Lamia as its base.

During a recent meeting with Lefteris Avgenakis, Central Greece Governor Fanis Spanos said that the Region was ready offer the necessary human resources and knowhow for the event.

Apart from Central Greece, the Peloponnese Region has also expressed interest to host the event.

Speaking during an online press conference earlier in March, the Mayor of Loutraki – Perachora – Agioi Theodoroi Giorgos Gionis announced the municipality’s intention to submit a candidacy file along with the Peloponnese Region.

Both Lamia and Loutraki have served as the event’s headquarters for several years in the past.