ΟManos and Kostas Stefanis have completed their preparation for the Acropolis Rally, carrying out a day of testing before the race (Pre Event Testing), with the Hyundai i20N Rally2. As part of their preparations for the Acropolis Rally, which takes place on September 8-11, Manos and Kostas Stefanis have completed a day of Pre Event Testing with the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 they will share in this year’s 10th race of the World Rally Championship. After the first taste on Italian soil, it was the turn of the Greek soil, where the duo made useful familiarization kilometers with their new racing car, on Sunday, September 4. The approximately 3 km route chosen, in the area of Mendenitsa Fthiotida, had a distinctly “Acropolis” character, which made the testing process even more constructive.
Manos and Kostas Stefanis focused on improving the car’s drivability and testing settings at every level, from the engine to the suspension and differentials. After the completion of the tests, the Greek crew is ready to start the week of the Acropolis Rally, starting with the three days of September 5-7, when the reconnaissance of the special stages is scheduled. The purely competitive part will be held on September 8-11, with the highlight of the OAKA ultra-special route, on the evening of Thursday, September 8. In total, the Acropolis Rally includes 16 special stages, with a length of 303.3 racing kilometers. The preparation and technical support of the car has been undertaken by the Italian GB Motors.
The sponsors of the participation of Manos and Costas Stefanis in the Acropolis Rally are Hyundai Hellas and CoralA.E. – Shell License.
Crew declarations
Manos Stefanis: “It was a constructive day of testing, on a track that we consider representative of what we will encounter during the Acropolis Rally. After each pass I felt better and better with the Hyundai i20 N Rally2, which is even friendlier than it seemed to me in the tests we carried out in Italy. Its behavior is predictable, and by testing different suspension settings, as well as aspects of the engine mapping, we gained significant familiarity, which gives us confidence ahead of the race. A demanding week begins, first with three days of reconnaissance and then with the purely racing part of the Acropolis Rally. I can’t wait for the race to start”.
Kostas Stefanis: “When you are preparing for your first participation in a new car, while at the same time coming from racing abstinence, then the tests before the race are of particular importance. As Manos mentioned, the route chosen was representative of the personality of the Acropolis Rally. Our aim was to get an even better idea of how we should drive in order to make the most of the all-round excellent Hyundai i20 N Rally2. Indeed, we feel decidedly more familiar with the car and ready for the challenge ahead. We’re entering Rally Acropolis week, so obviously we’re excited.”.
More information about Manos and Costas Stefanis, the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 as well as high-resolution photographic material, can be found through the team’s specialized microsite.
Photo Credits: Rallypixels
