Strong entry for the Acropolis

Thirteen World Rally Cars will be in action when the FIA World Rally Championship resumes in Greece later this month.

Acropolis Rally bosses have published a star-studded entry list for the sixth round of the world championship – billed as ‘The Rally of Gods’ - which is based in the coastal town of Loutraki, 84 kilometres west of the capital Athens from 31 May – 2 June.

In total 50 crews representing 32 different nationalities are due to tackle the all-gravel event, which features 14 special stages over a competitive distance of 307 kilometres.

The usual suspects will be out in force in Greece with championship leader Sebastien Ogier heading the Volkswagen Motorsport challenge, which is bolstered by fellow Polo R WRC drivers Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen.

The Citroen Total team’s hopes ride with Mikko Hirvonen and Dani Sordo, while Khalid Al Qassimi will pilot a third DS3 WRC for the Abu Dhabi Citroen squad.

Ford Fiesta RS drivers Mads Ostberg and Evgeny Novikov will represent the Qatar M-Sport team, with Thierry Neuville and Nasser Al-Attiyah eligible to score points for the Qatar World Rally team. There are also Fiestas for Martin Prokop and Gabriel Pozzo. Mini John Cooper Works driver Michal Kosciuszko rounds off the WRC runners.

Seventeen crews will chase FIA WRC 2 points including Ford Fiesta RRC driver Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, who leads the championship after his dominating performance in Argentina. Also in action will be Formula 1 star Robert Kubica, who will make his second WRC appearance in a Citroen DS3 RRC.

The 2013 Acropolis Rally also counts as the second round of the Junior WRC so all the 10 young drivers in the series will return including the winner of the opening round in Portugal, Pontus Tidemand.

Leading the Greek drivers is Lambros Athanassoulas, who won the Production category on the 2009 Acropolis Rally. The Loutraki local will drive a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X prepared by Ralliart Italy on his Acropolis comeback.

The 59th running of the Acropolis Rally will begin with a ceremonial start in front of the Zappion in Athens on the afternoon of Friday 31 May.