History 1990s

1993 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1993 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Date: May 30 – June 1, 1993

Start Location: Athens, Greece

Finish Location: Athens, Greece

Total Distance: 316.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The Acropolis Rally once again lived up to its reputation as one of the most punishing rounds of the WRC. With rocks, dust, heat, and relentless attrition, only the toughest crews survived. Juha Kankkunen, a master of rough rallies, teamed up with co-driver Nicky Grist to dominate the Greek stages in their Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD. Smooth, composed, and strategic, Kankkunen avoided the carnage that caught out many rivals, securing a pivotal win in the championship race.

Route

Loutraki and Dervenochoria: Fast, wide gravel with rock fields and high speeds—bravery rewarded, but caution kept tires alive.
Mount Parnassus Region: Rougher terrain, narrow switchbacks, and steep climbs with thick dust limiting visibility.
Kato Tithorea and Aghii Theodori: Classic Acropolis brutality—loose stones and sharp ruts ensured high attrition.

Greece’s dry mountain terrain offered intense punishment for both machines and crews, with temperatures climbing above 35°C:

Rocks, overheating, and broken suspensions ended many hopes early—Kankkunen’s conservative start paid dividends as others dropped out or suffered delays.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Juha Kankkunen & Nicky Grist · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD
2nd Place
François Delecour & Daniel Grataloup · Ford Escort RS Cosworth
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Lancia Delta HF Integrale

Kankkunen’s calculated aggression and deep experience in rough events allowed him to rise above the chaos and give Toyota another vital win on the road to the title.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Extreme Heat: Engine temps and cockpit fatigue were constant threats—hydration and mechanical sympathy were critical.
  • Rock Hazards: Punctures and cracked suspensions ended several podium bids—Kankkunen avoided nearly all major risks.
  • Visibility Issues: Dust hung thick in valleys—slower cars ahead could destroy a leader’s rhythm without careful spacing.

The 1993 Acropolis Rally rewarded survival and strategic patience—Kankkunen embodied both, steering Toyota to a flawless finish in one of the world’s toughest events.

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