History 2000s

2002 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2002 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Date: June 14–16, 2002

Start Location: Lamia, Greece

Finish Location: Lamia, Greece

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

Competitive Stages: ~401 km

Surface: Gravel

The 2002 Acropolis Rally lived up to its reputation as the WRC’s most punishing event, with scorching heat, sharp rocks, and relentless dust. Colin McRae maintained control through the chaos, managing his pace and preserving his car to secure his second win of the season and one of the most hard-fought victories of his career.

Route

Bauxites: Long, winding climbs on broken rock with zero margin for error — suspension and tires took a beating.
Eleftherohori: Fast but narrow, with deep dust and ruts that got worse with each car.
Grammeni: A mix of open plains and tight switchbacks — surface changed constantly, making setup a challenge.

Set in the mountainous regions of central Greece, the rally featured dry, rocky tracks that punished mechanical failure and poor judgment. Notable stages included:

Temperatures exceeded 40°C (104°F), stressing cooling systems and crew stamina over long loops through rough terrain.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Ford Focus WRC
2nd Place
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 206 WRC
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Focus WRC

McRae took the lead early and balanced speed with preservation, while Grönholm kept the pressure on but suffered minor delays. Sainz drove a clean rally to complete a strong weekend for Ford with two podium finishes.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Rock Damage: Punctures, broken suspension arms, and underbody hits were frequent — managing pace saved time in the long run.
  • Heat and Dust: Driver endurance and cooling systems were pushed to the brink — mistakes increased as the days wore on.
  • Visibility: Thick hanging dust in still air made overtaking and chasing times extremely dangerous.

Colin McRae’s Acropolis win was a demonstration of resilience and precision under extreme conditions — a reminder of the toughness that made him a WRC legend.

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