Mixed fortunes for Dutch crews in Greece

There were differing fortunes for the two Dutch father and sons contesting the Acropolis Rally, round seven of the world championship.

Dennis Kuipers is 12th overall after day one in his FERM Power Tools World Rally Team Fiesta RS WRC with his father Rene 17th in his similar machine. However, Peter van Merksteijn Jr crashed his Citroen DS3 WRC on stage three before his father Peter Sr went off the road and rolled on stage five.

Although van Merksteijn Jr was uninjured in the crash, his co-driver Eddy Chevaillier complained of back pains and was taken to hospital in Lamia for checks. He was subsequently airlifted to hospital in Athens as a further precaution.

Gerard Grouve, the Van Merksteijn Motorsport team manger, explained: “We wanted Eddy to have the best treatment so at our request he has been airlifted to a bigger hospital in Athens to make sure the checks are all okay. The doctors and the organisers have been very helpful. Eddy has a problem with his back and must stay flat. There is no problem for Peter Jr and Peter Sr should restart on Saturday because his car is not too badly damaged.”

There were no such problems for Dennis Kuipers, who enjoyed a largely trouble-free Acropolis debut alongside co-driver Frederic Miclotte.

“The first day was rough but I have a good feeling,” said the 25-year-old. “It was difficult to read the road; we had to watch out. I am satisfied, though. This rally is a big battle and a real challenge for cars, drivers, and co-drivers.”

His father Rene is competing in a Fiesta RS WRC for the first time. He said: “It was a very hard day for the cars and crews and I’m exhausted. We had small problems with the brakes but it’s a very tough rally and you expect this. I don’t think there is a tougher WRC event than this one. Tomorrow’s stages are harder than today, so we will try to save the car and hope to finish.”