Since its introduction in the WRC, the superspecial stage on the Olympic Stadium in the Greek metropole set a new standard in the sport. And yet organizers of this year's 54th running of Acropolis Rally of Greece have something else in mind for the fans-friendly superspecials: the Athens Horse Racing Centre.
Unlike the superspecials on the 72.000-seat Olympic Stadium, the hippodrome-based brand new ones are going to be run on gravel, on a 3.200 metres long and 7 metres wide parallel course. In fact, this will be the first time an Acropolis superspecial stage will be run on gravel.
The "Hippodrome" SSS will be run three times while in addition will mark the starting and closing ceremony. Even more, the Athens Horse Racing Centre will also host the rally headquarters, service park area and its media office.
The switch from the modernistic Athens Olympic Stadium to the low-tech equestrian facility is based on the unpopular price policy of the stadium's management team, that resulted in a very slim attendance last year. Also, rally drivers were unhappy with the very tight tarmac course fitted on the football field.
The eight round of the 2007 WRC schedule, BP Ultimate Acropolis Rally (May 31 - June 3) is the last round before the world rally field goes into its almost two-month summer break.
Unlike the superspecials on the 72.000-seat Olympic Stadium, the hippodrome-based brand new ones are going to be run on gravel, on a 3.200 metres long and 7 metres wide parallel course. In fact, this will be the first time an Acropolis superspecial stage will be run on gravel.
The "Hippodrome" SSS will be run three times while in addition will mark the starting and closing ceremony. Even more, the Athens Horse Racing Centre will also host the rally headquarters, service park area and its media office.
The switch from the modernistic Athens Olympic Stadium to the low-tech equestrian facility is based on the unpopular price policy of the stadium's management team, that resulted in a very slim attendance last year. Also, rally drivers were unhappy with the very tight tarmac course fitted on the football field.
The eight round of the 2007 WRC schedule, BP Ultimate Acropolis Rally (May 31 - June 3) is the last round before the world rally field goes into its almost two-month summer break.
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