Neuville carries a 4.1-second lead over Ogier into the final day of the Acropolis Rally
Thierry Neuville leads Sébastien Ogier by 4.1 seconds with four special stages remaining at the WRC Rally of Greece, while a damaged steering rack and an oil leak add uncertainty to his bid for a third Acropolis victory.
Saturday’s duel
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 N) ended Saturday 4.1 seconds clear of Sébastien Ogier (Toyota Yaris) after 13 of the 17 stages. The margin had fluctuated sharply: Ogier cut the deficit from 9.7 seconds overnight to 3.7 seconds by midday, only for Neuville to pull away on the afternoon pass of Ghymno before Ogier snatched 6.7 seconds back on the final test of the day, Menalo Mt.
I’m happy with the day and, like the last few days, I felt very comfortable in the car. I managed the race well. We’re approaching the end of the rally and we’re now just two drivers in the running for victory. We’ll give it everything.
I’m concentrating on my own race and trying not to make any mistakes. We could go faster, but the risk of a puncture is too high. I’m sticking to my plan.
A tightening fight
Ogier, a nine-time world champion, last won the Acropolis in 2011. Neuville, the 2024 champion, won it in 2022 and 2024. The pair have pulled clear of the field; third-placed Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota) is 2 minutes 17 seconds adrift after Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai) suffered a puncture on Ghymno and surrendered the position.
- Neuville leads Ogier by 9.7 seconds after Friday's seven stages.
- Ogier closes to 3.7 seconds after the morning loop on Saturday.
- Neuville's lead stands at 4.1 seconds after 13 stages on Saturday evening.
- Four stages remain on Sunday; Neuville chases a third Acropolis win.
Mechanical concerns
Neuville finished the final Saturday stage with visible damage to the front of his Hyundai and an oil leak from the power-steering system. He acknowledged that the car had begun sliding in the closing kilometres and he may have lost grip from overheating tyres.
Towards the end of the last stage, the car started sliding a bit too much. I lacked grip. Maybe I should have adjusted the settings slightly. But it doesn’t matter. There’s still a long way to go. We’ve seen in the past that you have to manage your effort here.
The road ahead
Four stages remain on Sunday: two runs over Aghii Theodori (25.39 km) and two over Loutraki (16.61 km), the last of which serves as the Power Stage. Championship leader Elfyn Evans (Toyota) is seventh, 4 minutes 43 seconds off the lead, and unlikely to influence the fight for victory.
