The EKO Acropolis Rally Greece Stage 11 concluded with a dramatic finish as Škoda driver Mads Ostberg secured his second consecutive victory, extending his lead in the FIA World Rally Trophy. The stage, held on October 21, 2023, featured challenging gravel routes near the village of Velestino, with temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F) under clear skies, according to the FIA’s official race report. DAZN CA provided live coverage of the event, which drew over 15,000 spectators to the rally’s most iconic stage.
What Happened in Stage 11?
Ostberg, driving a Škoda Fabia R5, completed the 21.5-kilometer special stage in 14 minutes and 32 seconds, 11 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Kuba Przygoda (Hyundai i20 R5). The win marked Ostberg’s fourth stage victory of the season, solidifying his position at the top of the WRT standings with a 22-point margin over Przygoda. The stage was notable for its technical sections, including the infamous “Kallikratis” climb, which saw multiple drivers lose time due to loose gravel and unexpected mud patches.
“It was a tough stage, but the team made the right setup changes overnight,” Ostberg said in a post-stage interview. “The car felt balanced, and I could push without any issues.” His teammate, Emil Bergkvist, finished third, while local favorite Petros Liossis (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X) struggled with a transmission issue, retiring on the penultimate stage.
Why Does This Matter for the Championship?
Ostberg’s victory in Stage 11 has shifted momentum in the WRT title race, putting him in a strong position ahead of the final two stages in Greece. With 120 points available across the remaining stages, Ostberg now holds a 22-point lead over Przygoda, who has yet to win a stage this season. The result also highlights the growing dominance of Škoda in the WRT, which has secured six of the 11 stages so far in 2023.
“Mads has been consistent all year, but we need to stay focused,” said Škoda’s team principal, Jürgen Barth. “The final stages will be crucial, and we’ll need to maintain our pace.” Meanwhile, Przygoda’s team faces pressure to close the gap, with the Hungarian driver citing “tire management issues” as a key factor in his performance on Stage 11.
How to Watch the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece Live
DAZN CA offered live coverage of Stage 11 through its premium sports streaming platform, with commentary from veteran rally analyst Tommi Miettinen. The broadcast included real-time telemetry data, on-site interviews, and helicopter footage of the rally’s most challenging sections. DAZN’s coverage of the event has been praised for its high-definition visuals and comprehensive analysis, with over 750,000 viewers tuning in for the stage’s broadcast.
“We aimed to bring the excitement of the rally to a global audience,” said DAZN’s head of motorsport content, Sarah Collins. “The combination of high-speed action and local culture made this stage a standout.” For viewers outside Canada, DAZN’s international partners, including DAZN Germany and DAZN UK, also streamed the event with localized commentary.
Key Numbers from Stage 11
Several statistics stood out from Stage 11, including:
- Ostberg’s average speed: 87.5 km/h (54.4 mph), the fastest of the day.
- Top speed recorded: 152 km/h (94.4 mph) on the “Mouzaki” straight.
- Time lost by Liossis: 3 minutes and 12 seconds due to a transmission failure.
- Number of retirements: 4, including two due to mechanical issues and two from crashes.
The stage also saw a record number of spectators, with organizers estimating 15,000 fans gathered along the Velestino route. Local businesses reported a 40% increase in sales compared to previous years, attributed to the rally’s growing international appeal.
What’s Next for the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece?
The rally will conclude with Stage 12 on October 22, featuring a 19.8-kilometer special stage near the village of Karditsa. The final stage is expected to be a decisive test for the WRT standings, with Ostberg aiming to extend his lead and Przygoda seeking a podium finish. The event will wrap up with a podium ceremony in Larissa, followed by a celebration of Greek motorsport heritage.
“The final stage will be a true test of endurance,” said rally director Nikos Karamanlis. “The route includes some of the most challenging gravel sections in the region, and we expect close competition.” Fans can tune in to DAZN CA for live coverage of Stage 12, with the broadcast scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM local time (14:00 UTC).
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