Motorsport / Acropolis Rally
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Motorsport
Škoda Cars Claim Greek Double
The WRC2 category at Acropolis Rally was won by Robert Virves, with Andreas Mikkelsen finishing second.
The most demanding gravel rally of the year proved highly successful for crews driving Škoda cars. No fewer than four finished in the top ten of the WRC2 category. Two Toksport WRT specials fought over the lead throughout the event. Two-time world champion in this category Andreas Mikkelsen, with co-driver Jørn Listerud, held the advantage initially, but Estonians Robert Virves and Jakko Viilo stayed within striking distance. On the 15th stage, however, the Norwegian crew hit a stone and had to change a tyre. Their team-mates seized the opportunity and moved into the lead. Spaniards Jan Solans and Rodrigo Sanjuán battled for third place in a Fabia RS Rally2, but ultimately finished eighth in the WRC2 category. Winner Robert Virves can now look forward to a home event. The World Championship continues with Rally Estonia from 17 to 19 July.
Dominik Stříteský Wins in Hustopeče for the First Time
The domestic championship has reached its halfway point, with the Czech champion from two years ago, Dominik Stříteský, and co-driver Ondřej Krajča in a Fabia RS Rally2 firmly in the lead. A victory at the June Agrotec Petronas Rally Hustopeče helped them build an interim advantage of 22 points. Against the full field of Czech top competitors, Škoda car crews took all three podium places. "I am glad I finally managed to win at Rally Hustopeče. This event has never gone particularly well for me, as I struggled in the past to find the right rhythm on the unusual local stages. This year the tyre choice also worked in my favour. I would like to thank the team for their support throughout the weekend. Our brand-new Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 performed perfectly," commented Dominik Stříteský on his second win of the season. Second place went to the winner of the two previous editions of the event, Adam Březík from the Samohýl Škoda Team, who managed to significantly close a gap caused by a thirty-second penalty for contact with a speed bump.