The Tänak Acropolis Rally 2025 win was anything but straightforward, but it might just become a turning point in this year’s World Rally Championship. With grit, skill, and a bit of luck, Ott Tänak powered to a dramatic victory in Greece, giving Hyundai its first win since late 2024.
Tänak’s Weekend of Determination
Tänak looked confident right from the start. Fast stage times and controlled aggression kept him out front throughout the weekend. With Martin Järveoja alongside, the Estonian duo claimed two of Sunday’s stages and built a healthy lead by the final loop. But the Wolf Power Stage brought heart-stopping tension.
A sudden gearbox issue left Tänak crawling toward the finish line. Third gear began making noise, followed by a worrying rattle from the entire unit. Despite the scare, he held on, crossing the line 32.8 seconds ahead of Sébastien Ogier to take his first victory in over eight months.
Hyundai’s Return to the Top
This win broke Toyota’s dominance in the 2025 season. It also marked a return to form for Hyundai, who had been searching for consistency. Tänak’s triumph was their first since the Central European Rally last year. The result brings Hyundai much-needed momentum as the WRC heads into faster stages in Estonia and Finland.
Ogier Steady, Evans Stays in the Hunt
Ogier wasn’t far behind. The Frenchman pushed hard and even won the Power Stage with fresh soft compound tyres. He secured his fifth podium in five starts this season but will skip the upcoming rally. That opens the door for Tänak to gain ground.
Championship leader Elfyn Evans fought from fourth on the road and delivered a damage-limiting drive. With a fourth-place finish and additional Power Stage points, he maintains a slim 12-point lead in the standings.
Fourmaux, Neuville, and WRC2 Highlights
Adrien Fourmaux brought home another podium for Hyundai in third, bouncing back from suspension issues on Saturday. Thierry Neuville salvaged fifth despite multiple issues, including punctures and a late-stage electrical fault that forced him to restart his car mid-stage.
WRC2 saw Oliver Solberg dominate and finish sixth overall, followed by Gus Greensmith and Yohan Rossel. Kajetanowicz and Cachón rounded out the top 10.
Trouble for Toyota’s Rovanperä and Katsuta
Both Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta had to restart after Saturday problems. Rovanperä lost out on Super Sunday points due to a late wheel change. Katsuta, too, was slowed by a wheel issue on the final stage.
Summary
The Tänak Acropolis Rally 2025 victory brings new life to the WRC title race. With only 12 points separating Tänak from Evans, the battle now heads to Estonia, Tänak’s home turf. With speed, confidence, and support on his side, the second half of the season promises even more drama.
Disclaimer: Rally results and championship standings are accurate as of publication and may be subject to updates.
