Thousands flocked to watch the four-day World Rally motorsport championships kick off in Athens’ Syntagma Square on Thursday.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis launched the race at the foot of the Acropolis.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that the Acropolis Rally is back in Greece,” he said.
The World Rally Championship last occurred eight years ago.
“There’s a very big percentage of the population that is fascinated by motorsport. I don’t think we could have offered them a better gift than the return of the Acropolis.”
Racer Sebastian Ogier championed the race at 51.5 seconds, followed by Elfyn Evans in second place and Kalle Rovanpera in third place.
“I love Greece. It’s a beautiful country, even (had) some holiday here many times,” Ogier said. “And I’m really happy to come back on the road.”
The Acropolis Rally, the ninth on the 12-race circuit, ends Sunday.
Source: Associated Press
