Decisive Power Stage will prove tough

The Acropolis Rally-closing Power Stage could yet prove a sting in the tail for crews contesting round seven of the world championship in Greece.

Measuring four kilometres in length, the New Loutraki test uses the start of the Nea Politia night stage and a section of the Aghii Theordori stage, which has been run twice this morning.

As a result, there could be an increased risk of punctures and car damage due to the broken nature of the stage surface.

“The stage will be really quite rough and well used when we come to it so it’s going to be tricky,” said navigator Ilka Minor, who along with driver Henning Solberg, is currently fifth in the overall classification in their M-Sport Stobart Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

The Power Stage is a new concept in the WRC this season and awards bonus points to the fastest three drivers. Minor said the Power Stage in Greece would create a thrilling spectacle for fans watching live on television throughout the world.

“It’s spectacular because people will be fighting for extra points and nobody will be going slowly,” said the Austrian. “The stage runs on a very wide and fast road with a very loose surface.”

Rally leader Sebastien Ogier will start the test with an advantage of 10.5s over Citroen team-mate Sebastien Loeb. But while Ogier looks to be edging towards his third victory of 2011 and his first win in Greece, Loeb’s tenure of second place remains under threat with Ford driver Mikko Hirvonen just 2.6s behind.

Crews will run in reverse order with Greek hero Lambros Athanassoulas going first in his Fiesta. Ogier will be the 11th driver to take the start with Loeb running 12th on the road in his similar DS3 WRC. The stage is due to go live at 14:11hrs local time.

Hirvonen and Ogier have both won two Power Stages this season with Loeb and Petter Solberg claiming solitary victories.