After one-year break, Manos and Kostas Stefanis will make their comeback at Acropolis Rally, representing “Traction Rally Team”, this time in a Ford Fiesta Rally prepared and supported my M-Sport Poland.
The participation of Manos and Kostas at Acropolis Rally is sponsored by Coral S.A. – Shell Licensee.
The Greek crew will compete in RC3 class, which is about to attract more than 20 entries, as it’s also part of Junior WRC. Apart for the overall classification, Manos and Kostas Stefanis will be classified in WRC3, facing strong opponents from both Greece and abroad.
This will be the fourth appearance of Manos Stefanis at Acropolis Rally, whilst Kostas Stefanis will start the legendary Greek event for the 30th time, in a milestone event for him, for a reason we will let you know soon…
It is worth noting that the preparation of Manos and Kostas Stefanis for the Acropolis Rally has already begun, as the duo got a first taste of the Ford Fiesta Rally3, carrying out about 80 kilometres of testing on Greek soil.
This was just the beginning, as the process of getting familiar with the car will continue with another day of Pre-Event Testing, just before the start of the Acropolis Rally at the end of August.
The crew
Manos Stefanis
DoB: 30/5/1982
Rally Debut: 2001
Acropolis Rally Entries: 3
Quote: “Participating at the Acropolis Rally is a special challenge and a magnificent occasion for every driver. This year is even more important for me, as it’s combined with a milestone entry for Kostas.
Concerning the Ford Fiesta Rally3, it is a real rally car, very friendly and “forgiving”, whilst allowing the driver to be fairly fast without feeling extra pressure. Of course, Of course, this doesn’t mean that the limits of this car are low, and in this context, we’ve scheduled another day of Pre-Event Testing at the end of August to further familiarize ourselves with it.
I would like to wholeheartedly thank Coral S.A. – Shell Licensee for giving me the opportunity to participate in yet another Acropolis Rally. Besides, with the spearhead of Shell V-Power Racing fuel, it proves in practice that the know-how it draws from motorsport can be effectively transferred to our everyday cars.”
Kostas Stefanis
DoB: 5/6/1949
Rally Debut: 1970
Acropolis Rally Entries: 29
Acropolis Rally Achievements: 9 times first Greek co-driver alongside “Iaveris” (1979), Andreas Papatriantafillou (1983), “Jigger” (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992), Aris Vovos (overall winners in 1995), Panagiotis Chatzitsopanis (2001), including numerous Top-10 finishes.
Quote: “I will repeat what I’m used to saying before entering the event. The words “Acropolis Rally” encompass a unique magic and entity that makes them special across the entire spectrum of world motorsport.
Once more, I will have the pleasure to be at the start, alongside Manos. This time, we will share a Ford Fiesta Rally3, which I dare say that is the nicest -in terms of sporting performance, friendliness and pleasure- car I have ever sampled.
Hopefully this positive image will continue during the rally itself, so as to enjoy our participation and give the fans something to cheer for, at the marvelous Greek mountains. Finally, I would like to thank Coral S.A. – Shell Licensee, without whose sponsorship, our participation in the race would not have been possible.”
The Car
Ford Fiesta Rally3 – Technical Specification
Engine
Turbo Charged 1.497 cc Ford Ecoboost technology (FIA regulated 31 mm restrictor)
3 cylinders in-line, 12 valves
Power: 235 hp @ 5.000 rpm
Torque: 415 Nm @ 3.500 rp,
Transmission
Four-wheel drive
Five Speed Sequential Gearbox
Front and Rear plated limited slip differentials
AP Racing two-disc plate clutch
Chassis – Suspension
Front and rear McPherson struts with 3-way adjustable Reiger dampers
Short ratio hydraulic power assisted steering
Brakes
AP Racing ventilated front discs with Alcon 4-piston calipers
Dimensions (gravel): 280 mm front and rear
Hydraulic handbrake
Wheels: 6 x 15
Dimensions (mm)
Length: 4.065
Width: 1.735
Wheelbase: 2.490
Minimum weight: 1.210 kg
The Rally
In opposition to previous editions, the Acropolis Rally 2024 will begin from Fthiotida. The Ceremonial Start will be held on Thursday 5 September at 19:00 at Lamia National Trade Fair, where the event’s Headquarters will be hosted.
The first day of the rally, Friday 6 September, is the longest in terms of rally kilometers, as it consists of 3 special stages (Ano Pavliani, Dafni, Tarzan) held twice, summing up total length of 135,02 km.
However, the most difficult day of this year’s Acropolis Rally will be Saturday 7 September, during which the crews will cover 696,87 km (117,46 km of special and 579,41 km of road section) and will be in motion for more than 16 hours!
Despite the presence of 6 special stages in the itinerary (Rengini, Thiva, Aghii Theodoroi X 2, Loutraki, Super Special Stage at a location to be announced), its peculiarity lies in the absence of intermediate service and the existence of a Tyre Fitting Zone, where any repairs can only be made with components already put inside the rally cars.
Another indicative factor of the difficulty this day provides, is the fact that the first car is about to leave Lamia at 6:15 in the morning and return at 22:25 in the night, when it will immediately enter Park Ferme.
That way, the third and final day of Acropolis Rally, on Sunday 8 September, will begin with a 45-minute Flexi Service. After that, the crews will compete in 3 special stages (Inohori, Eleftherohori X 2) with total length of 54,05 km. before the Finish Ceremony at Lamia (16:00).
Summarizing, the 2024 Acropolis Rally includes 15 special stages, with a length of 306,53 km, while the total distance of the rally is 1.393,85 km.
Video from Manos and Kostas Stefanis first “taste” of the Ford Fiesta Rally3
