History 2000s

2004 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2004 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Date: May 21–23, 2004

Start Location: Lamia, Greece

Finish Location: Lamia, Greece

Total Distance: ~1,050 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 355.16 km

Surface: Gravel (rocky, hot)

One of the most punishing events on the WRC calendar, the 2004 Acropolis Rally lived up to its brutal reputation with searing heat, sharp rocks, and endless dust. Petter Solberg kept his Subaru together through the chaos, managing pace and wear with clinical efficiency to take a crucial victory in the championship battle.

Route

Bauxites: Long, loose, and heavily degraded — a true car-breaker requiring balance and bravery.
Elatia: One of the rally’s signature tests — narrow, winding, and loaded with hidden stones.
Grammeni: Wide and fast early, but devolving into deep ruts with dangerous loose rock toward the end.

The Acropolis stages were rocky and abrasive, climbing through mountainous Greek terrain. Key stages included:

The rally’s sheer roughness forced teams into conservative strategies — even small mistakes were punished by punctures or suspension failure.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Petter Solberg & Phil Mills · Subaru Impreza WRC
2nd Place
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC
3rd Place
Markko Märtin & Michael Park · Ford Focus RS WRC

Solberg’s drive was a blend of calculated aggression and mechanical sympathy. Loeb kept the pressure on, but couldn’t close the gap. Märtin rounded out the podium after surviving tire issues and heat fatigue.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Rock Hazards: Many crews retired due to suspension or tire damage — precision in line choice was vital.
  • Heat Stress: Cockpit temperatures exceeded 50°C — driver hydration and focus were constant challenges.
  • Road Deterioration: Second passes were significantly worse, with ruts, dust, and loose debris dominating the surface.

Solberg’s win in Greece proved his maturity and adaptability — not just a speedster, but a champion capable of surviving the world’s harshest rally conditions with poise and determination.

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