History 2000s

2001 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2001 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Date: June 8–10, 2001

Start Location: Athens, Greece

Finish Location: Athens, Greece

Total Distance: ~1,100 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: ~376 km

Surface: Gravel

The 2001 Acropolis Rally proved once again why it's considered one of the toughest events on the WRC calendar. Under searing Greek sun and across jagged mountain terrain, Colin McRae outlasted both rivals and the elements to secure a dramatic win — marking his third triumph of the season and pushing Ford firmly into the title fight.

Route

Bauxites: Harsh gravel roads carved into mountainsides — infamous for tire-shredding rocks and blinding dust clouds.
Athikia: A fast and flowing stage but scattered with loose boulders and deep ruts from prior passes.
Drossochori: Tight and technical with poor traction and punishing compression dips that tested suspension limits.

The rally wound through the rocky, arid landscapes of central Greece, with relentless elevation changes and punishing stage surfaces. Key stages included:

Temperatures often soared above 40°C (104°F), creating added stress on cooling systems, tires, and driver stamina.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Ford Focus WRC
2nd Place
Harri Rovanperä & Risto Pietiläinen · Peugeot 206 WRC
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Focus WRC

McRae drove with precision and restraint when needed, attacking only where conditions allowed. Rovanperä impressed with raw speed but suffered minor delays, while Sainz played the long game and secured another valuable podium.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Rock Hazards: Tire and underbody damage were frequent — success depended on avoiding hidden obstacles and choosing protective lines.
  • Driver Heat Stress: Cabins reached extreme temperatures — hydration and endurance management were as crucial as outright speed.
  • Suspension Durability: Repeated hits and landings tested the car setups — the Ford’s reinforced components held up best.

Colin McRae’s victory in Greece was a masterclass in grit and control — a rally won not just with speed, but with intelligence, experience, and unbreakable determination.

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