Double Penalties Reshape 2026 Acropolis Rally Final Results

The FIA has officially revised the final classification of the 2026 Acropolis Rally Greece after imposing one-minute time penalties on Josh McErlean and Adrien Fourmaux following post-event investigations.

The decisions significantly reshuffled the final standings. Sami Pajari, who had originally finished fifth just over seven seconds behind McErlean, was promoted to fourth overall. Elfyn Evans moved up to fifth, while McErlean and Fourmaux dropped to sixth and seventh respectively.

SS16 Incident Triggered Investigation

The stewards launched an investigation after McErlean briefly went off the road on SS16. Co-driver Eoin Treacy exited the car to place the mandatory OK board and warning triangle before the crew reversed back onto the stage to avoid blocking following competitors.

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Treacy told the stewards he instructed McErlean not to move until his safety belts had been fully refastened, stressing that safety remained his highest priority throughout the incident.

He also argued the car initially rolled under gravity and that throttle was only applied after the belts had been secured.

Rally.TV Footage Proved Decisive

After reviewing Rally.TV footage, the stewards concluded the car was already moving while the co-driver's safety belts had not yet been properly fastened.

The FIA's decision stated that crews are fully responsible for ensuring all safety equipment is correctly fastened and tightened before restarting on any special stage.

As a consequence, McErlean received a one-minute time penalty, dropping him from fourth to sixth in the official classification.

Fourmaux Received the Same Sanction

Fourmaux was penalised for an almost identical offence after stopping to replace a punctured tyre on SS12. Although he quickly realised the mistake and slowed the car, Rally.TV footage confirmed the Hyundai had already moved before co-driver Alexandre Coria's belts were fully secured.

The stewards therefore issued the same one-minute penalty to the Hyundai crew.

Final Classification Revised

The two steward decisions significantly altered the final Acropolis Rally Greece results. Pajari inherited fourth place, Evans moved into fifth, while McErlean and Fourmaux were relegated to sixth and seventh respectively.

The revised classification also reinforces the FIA's strict approach to safety regulations, with crews required to ensure every safety device is fully secured before rejoining a competitive stage under any circumstances.