Thierry Neuville Wins SS6 as Armstrong Hits Trouble

Thierry Neuville strengthened his position at Acropolis Rally Greece by setting the fastest time on SS6 Stiri, another stage that placed heavy pressure on tyres and car durability.

The Hyundai driver edged Sebastien Ogier on the second pass through Stiri on Friday. With the surface increasingly damaged, tyre management again became more important than simply attacking throughout the stage.

"In a few places I was simply driving around the rocks. Towards the end I found a better rhythm. Once the tyres heat up, they lose grip," said Neuville.

Baca JugaNeuville Balas Ogier, Duel Acropolis Makin Sengit

Ogier also stressed how demanding SS6 was for the tyres. The Toyota driver adopted a cautious approach to preserve the compounds, with the puncture risk still high as Stiri became rougher on its second pass.

Jon Armstrong lost momentum after suffering both a puncture and a technical problem in his M-Sport Ford. After claiming the first WRC stage win of his career on SS5, Armstrong was forced to stop and change a tyre during the stage, losing significant time.

With one special stage still remaining on Friday, Acropolis Rally Greece continues to be defined by tyre survival, rock avoidance and reliability. Neuville remains in a strong position, but pressure from Ogier and the worsening road conditions will remain central before the rally moves into Saturday's leg.