Thierry Neuville led EKO Acropolis Rally Greece after a punishing Friday that immediately underlined the rally’s fearsome reputation.
The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team driver completed the opening full day 9.7sec clear of Sébastien Ogier, with team-mate Adrien Fourmaux third after an eventful leg in which he both led the rally and lost time to a puncture.
The longest day of the rally, totalling 129.22km, brought heavy road cleaning, sharp rocks and constant risk across six gravel stages north of Loutraki. Few crews escaped the day without drama, but Neuville’s measured approach proved enough to keep him in front overnight.