Rocky mountain tracks, punishing heat and physically demanding cockpit conditions are the hallmarks of the Acropolis Rally of Greece, 29 May - 1 June.

The Acropolis Rally's gravel speed tests west of Athens have a fearsome reputation.  Cars must withstand severe punishment from loose rocks which litter the surface of the mountain tracks as well as hard bedrock which forms the base of the roads.

Air temperatures often exceed 30ºC, placing high demands on engines and gearboxes.  Because the winding roads and hairpins make this a relatively slow rally. Only Argentina was slower in 2007 so there is little cooling from the through-flow of air.

Drivers, too, can expect a tough time for the same reasons.  There is no cooling inside the cars during special stages so cockpit temperatures are high and fitness plays a crucial role.  A regular fluid intake is also vital to stave off dehydration and ensure drivers and co-drivers operate at peak performance.

For the third consecutive year, the rally has a new base.  It will be centred at the military airport of Tatoi, 20km north of the centre of Athens. 

The airfield hosted a stage of the rally in 1975 and this year will also be home to a gravel super special stage on Friday evening and the rally's finale on Sunday afternoon.  Also new for 2008 is the start ceremony at the famous Acropolis, high above the city and for many years the traditional start location. 

The route itself is broadly similar to 2007.  The opening leg heads north and west of Athens, and contains the only all-new test of the rally.  The second day is the longest of the event and takes competitors west of the city, passing close to the Corinth Canal.  The final day is again north-west of the city before the finish ceremony at Tatoi.  Drivers tackle 20 tests covering 339.94km in a total route of 1311.32km.