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ERC crews discover ‘monster’ Acropolis finale

The FIA European Rally Championship drivers have been getting to know the stages they will face on this week's SEAJETS Acropolis Rally on the recce, including the long test that will conclude the event.

Speaking about the 33.86-kilometre Elatia-Karya route that will feature as SS9 and SS12, defending ERC champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz said: "The last one is a monster stage. It is not the longest I have seen in my life, but it is a disaster for the crew, for both mind and body.

"The last 10 kilometers are very twisty and if you are tired they can be very difficult, as it is also the last stage of the loop. It is really hard to understand what we are talking about if you don't drive it. It is really not easy, if you are doing this stage for the first time. Nevertheless we enjoy it, because it is a very good experience."

Raul Jeets, who finished sixth on the event last year, commented: "I have never seen any stage like Elatia-Karya before, with so many turns and stones. The speed and rhythm changes all the time and this is very demanding, so this stage is difficult and interesting. We need to be very careful, because there are many places where the car can break. The first stage is fast in some parts. I really want to drive in these roads."

Ralfs Sirmacis, preparing for his first start in an R5 car, added: "The stage is very very long, very narrow and we felt like it doesn't end. In this stage you can win or lose the rally."

Zdroj: fiaerc.com