History 1990s

1996 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1996 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Date: June 2–5, 1996

Start Location: Athens, Greece

Finish Location: Athens, Greece

Total Distance: 404.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1996 Acropolis Rally was a true test of endurance and skill, with competitors facing tough gravel roads in the hot, dry conditions of Greece. Colin McRae, driving the Subaru Impreza 555, showcased his skill and composure, finishing ahead of his competitors to claim the victory. The rally was a grueling challenge, with stages that tested both car durability and driver stamina, but McRae’s consistency and pace allowed him to secure the win.

Route

Markopoulo Stage: A challenging stage that tested car handling and navigation, with tight corners and uneven gravel.
Panthea Stage: One of the longest stages, featuring rocky sections that pushed suspension durability and tire performance to the limit.
Mount Parnitha: The final stage with a mix of narrow, rough tracks through the mountains, requiring perfect throttle control and accurate braking.

The route of the 1996 Acropolis Rally traversed the rugged Greek terrain, featuring a mix of fast gravel roads and technical stages:

The rally’s dry conditions made tire management crucial, and the uneven gravel roads made every stage a test of car stability and driver endurance.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Derek Ringer · Subaru Impreza 555
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
3rd Place
Didier Auriol & Bernard Occelli · Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD

McRae’s steady performance across the rally’s rocky stages allowed him to maintain his lead over Sainz and Auriol, who pushed hard but couldn’t match McRae’s consistency and precision in the demanding conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Gravel Roads: The rally’s gravel roads were challenging, requiring accurate navigation and tire management to avoid mistakes and stay competitive.
  • Car Durability: The harsh conditions took a toll on the vehicles, with suspension and tires facing extreme wear on the rocky, uneven roads.
  • Driver Stamina: The long stages and demanding terrain required both physical and mental endurance from the drivers, who had to remain focused and consistent throughout the event.

The 1996 Acropolis Rally was a showcase of endurance and driving precision, with McRae’s victory solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s top drivers. His ability to maintain a steady pace across the demanding Greek terrain was key to his success in this challenging rally.

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