Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja have clinched their first win of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship season at the gruelling Acropolis Rally, leading Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team to a well-earned double podium finish. Team-mates Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria secured third place, marking Hyundai’s second double podium of the year and a vital boost in the Constructors’ Championship.
The final day of the rally put crews through a punishing loop of stages, including the brand-new Smokovo and the unforgiving Tarzan test. Tänak entered Sunday with a commanding 43.6-second lead and held firm despite a tense finish caused by a gearbox issue in the Power Stage. The Estonian’s calm under pressure earned him eight stage wins over the weekend and lifted him to third in the drivers’ standings—just 12 points behind the leader.
“It was a great weekend but incredibly demanding,” Tänak said after the win. “We avoided punctures by pushing in safer sections and holding back in rougher ones. The car felt great, and to take our first victory of the season here at Acropolis feels very rewarding.”
Adrien Fourmaux, alongside co-driver Alexandre Coria, delivered a composed drive to claim his second podium of the season. The French crew held off challenges despite some time loss on Sunday and ended the rally with their best-ever result at the Acropolis.
“This was one of the toughest Acropolis rallies I’ve ever done,” said Fourmaux. “We kept clear of major damage and stayed consistent. Finishing third is a solid result and a confidence boost after a tough outing in Sardinia.”
Meanwhile, Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe had a frustrating weekend marked by three punctures and a late-stage electrical issue. Nevertheless, the Belgian crew managed to salvage 13 points, including three from a strong Power Stage finish.
“It wasn’t the weekend we hoped for,” Neuville admitted. “We had a string of problems, but we kept fighting and picked up important points. I’m aiming for a turnaround in Estonia.”
Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul praised the team’s perseverance.
“Extreme heat, mechanical challenges, and relentless terrain made this rally particularly punishing. Ott’s victory is a testament to both his talent and the team’s determination. Adrien also delivered a mature performance, and while Thierry’s weekend was troubled, we know his potential remains high.”
With Acropolis Rally behind them, Hyundai looks ahead to Rally Estonia — Tänak’s home event — with renewed momentum. The Estonian round promises another fierce test in the WRC calendar, but Hyundai will arrive with confidence following its breakthrough victory of the season.
