Acropolis Rally

 
The Acropolis Rally is one of the longest-standing and most iconic events in the FIA World Rally Championship and was one of the original rounds of the series when it was established in 1973.
High ambient temperatures, rocks, dust and a combination of hard, fast sections and softer, winding tracks combine to make the Greek event one of the most punishing on the World Rally Championship calendar for both cars and crews.
Based in the coastal resort of Loutraki, 90km from Athens, this year's Acropolis itinerary is changed considerably from the 2012 edition. Rally organisers have shortened the distance of the stages by approximately 100 kilometres and taken a day off the itinerary, making it the shortest event contested so far this season.
Following the Qualifying Stage over a 6.05-kilometre course on Friday morning (31 May) to decide the running order for day one, crews head east to the capital Athens and the famous Zappion for the ceremonial start.
After that, the event proper begins with the marathon 47km Kineta-Pissa stage - the longest test of the rally - and then a late evening run of Kineta.
Saturday's itinerary consists of eight stages over a demanding 12-hour period. With service during the day restricted to just one 30-minute halt in Loutraki, the challenge is further increased due to the limited amount of repair work that can be undertaken.
Sunday is a slightly more tame affair with just four stages. The event concludes with the repeat of the 30km Loutraki test, which is this year's Acropolis Power Stage.