Ogier wins second career Acropolis Rally

Sébastien Ogier of Toyota has claimed his second career victory at the Acropolis Rally, marking his second win of the current World Rally Championship season. The French driver and his co-driver Vincent Landais completed the challenging Greek rally in 3 hours, 36 minutes, and 40.7 seconds, standing atop the podium 15 years after his first triumph in the "Rally of the Gods."

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The French driver of Toyota completed his effort in the Greek WRC event in 3 hours, 36 minutes and 40.7 seconds and climbed to the highest step of the podium, 15 years after his first victory in the "Rally of the Gods."

The nine-time world champion engaged in a fierce duel with Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe of Hyundai. Throughout Friday and Saturday, the competitors remained closely matched, with the gap between them never exceeding 11.0 seconds on the demanding gravel stages.

Ogier took the lead after the opening stage on Sunday by a slim 1.3 seconds. The intense rivalry continued through the 15th stage, where both drivers recorded identical times, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. However, drama struck Neuville on the penultimate stage.

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The nine-time world champion Ogier and his co-driver Vincent Landais were losing their gap to Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe of Hyundai by 4.1 seconds ahead of the last four special stages of Sunday.

The Belgian driver experienced a double puncture on his rear tires, a setback that cost him 53.5 seconds. This costly delay ultimately dashed his hopes of victory and ended what had been a captivating battle for the lead. Ogier and Landais successfully navigated the difficult course without similar tire issues, securing their hard-fought win.

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The world champion of 2024 suffered a double puncture in the rear tire that cost the Belgian 53.5 seconds, which ultimately ended his hopes for victory and a thrilling contest at one moment.