For their first participation at the Acropolis Rally after 15 years and more specifically, after 2007, Manos and Kostas will use a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, prepared and supported during the event by Italian outfit GB Motors.
The entry is sponsored by Hyundai Hellas and Coral S.A. – Shell Licensee.
This year’s event will be the third participation of Manos Stefanis as a driver, whilst hugely experienced star Greek co-driver Kostas Stefanis, will be at the start line of Acropolis Rally for the 29th time!
Except from RC2 class, where Rally2 cars are included, Manos and Kostas will also compete in WRC 2, against the top crews of this highly competitive championship.
Stay tuned, because until the start of Acropolis Rally, interesting announcements and many surprises, will follow.
The crew
Manos Stefanis
DoB: 30/5/1982
First Rally: 2001
Participations (Acropolis Rally): 2
Quote: “From the moment the last details we finalized and we got the green light to participate in this year’s Acropolis Rally, I really can’t hide my excitement. This is undoubtedly the most important Greek rally, as well as one of the top WRC events that, as last year’s return proved, has lost none of its fame and glamour. Having experienced the participation of my father, Kostas, since I was a little kid, it would be no exaggeration to say that the Acropolis Rally is part of my DNA.
About this year’s rally itself, the Super Special stage at Olympic Stadium brings back nice memories, while the special stages are great both to drive and watch as spectators.
I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the brand new Hyundai i20 N Rally2, first of all to understand its behavior and after that, to adjust my driving accordingly. Our target is to complete all the rally kilometers and have a steady rhythm, building our speed according to specific conditions.
I would like to wholeheartedly say a big thank you to our sponsors, Hyundai Hellas and Coral S.A. – Shell Licensee, without whom the revival of the dream would not have turned into reality”.
Kostas Stefanis
DoB: 5/6/1949
First Rally: 1970
Participations (Acropolis Rally): 28
Achievements (Acropolis Rally): 9 times first Greek Co-Driver alongside “Iaveris” (1979), Andreas Papatriantafyllou (1983), “Jigger” (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992), Aris Vovos (overall winners in 1995), Panagiotis Chatzitsopanis (2001).
Quote: “Acropolis Rally is among most iconic events of the World Championship and has a special place in my heart. Having experienced the entire evolution of the rally as competitor, from the 1970s until recently, it is a great pleasure to return this year, alongside Manos.
We know that rallying has changed a lot compared to the past, so we have to adapt to the new conditions. Our first step will be to prepare properly for such a demanding and long rally, and then we will aim to get into grips with our new car, the Hyundai i20 N Rally 2, as quickly as possible.
In a rally like the Acropolis, pure speed takes a back seat, as elements such as strategy and situation management, become more important.
Obviously, our previous absence means that we will need more time to adapt in the new situation, something we will take into account while gradually increasing our pace, always within the limits set by the stunning, yet difficult, Greek special stages.
Rendezvous in the mountains where hopefully everyone will enjoy themselves, ensuring “safety first” for participants and spectators alike”.
The car
Hyundai i20 N Rally2 – Technical Specifications
Engine
1.6 litre direct injection turbocharged (32mm air restrictor, mandated by FIA regulations)
Power Output: 290 ps @ 5.000 r.p.m.
Torque: 420 Nm @ 4.000 r.p.m.
Transmission
Four-wheel drive
Sequential gearbox: Five forward gears and one reverse
Differential: Mechanical front and rear
Clutch: Cerametallic twin-disc
Chassis – Suspension
Front and Rear: MacPherson struts with three-way adjustable dampers
Steering: Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion.
Braking System
Ventilated brake discs four-piston calipers
Diameter (gravel): 300 mm
Handbrake: Hydraulic control
Wheels: 7 x 15 (gravel)
Dimensions (mm)
Length: 4.040
Width: 1.820
Wheelbase: 2.560
Track Width: 1.810
Weight: 1.230 kg (minimum), 1.390 (with driver and co-driver)
Fuel Tank: 80 litres
The Rally
The event will begin from Olympic Stadium of Athens on Thursday 8 September, where the Super Special will be held (20:08).
For the following three days, crews will tackle demanding special stages in Corinthia and Central Greece, while the finish ceremony, on Sunday 11 September, will be held in Lamia, where the Headquarters and Service Park will be hosted.
In total, the crews will have to complete 16 Special Stages of 306,65 competitive kilometers.
Amongst them, you may find some of the most famous gravel stages in Greece, such as “Loutraki”, “Bauxites”, “Tarzan”, “Elatia” and “Eleftherohori” that will also be the Power Stage.
