History 1990s

1997 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1997 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Date: June 8–11, 1997

Start Location: Athens, Greece

Finish Location: Delphi, Greece

Total Distance: 382.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1997 Acropolis Rally lived up to its reputation as one of the roughest events in rallying, with sharp rocks, scorching heat, and dusty trails taking a toll on both drivers and machines. Colin McRae delivered a dominant performance, combining sheer speed with mechanical sympathy to navigate the harsh terrain. His victory further extended Subaru’s momentum in the championship and reinforced the Impreza WRC97’s resilience under pressure.

Route

Bauxites: A rocky mountain trail with narrow drop-offs and punishing ruts.
Ano Chora: Dusty, technical sections with sharp switchbacks and constant elevation changes.
Elatia: High-speed gravel segments lined with large stones that pushed suspension systems to their limits.

The route carved through the mountainous and arid regions of central Greece, with key stages including:

High ambient temperatures and constant vibrations meant every crew had to fight both exhaustion and equipment degradation throughout the event.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Subaru Impreza WRC97
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Escort WRC
3rd Place
Didier Auriol & Denis Giraudet · Toyota Corolla WRC

McRae’s pace and car control on the jagged Greek roads allowed him to pull clear from the pack, while rivals were hampered by mechanical issues and tire failures.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Sharp Rocks: Constant threat of tire punctures and undercarriage damage demanded clean driving and optimal lines.
  • Heat Management: Engine and brake temperatures soared, forcing crews to balance aggression with survival.
  • Fatigue and Focus: Bone-shaking stages and poor visibility from dust clouds tested both physical and mental endurance.

The 1997 Acropolis Rally was a true war of attrition, and Colin McRae’s triumph highlighted his raw bravery and ability to push through the pain for victory on one of rallying’s most brutal battlegrounds.

← Previous Event 1997 Tour de Corse – Rallye de France (Corsica)
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