Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent the message that road safety is a national priority during his visit to Ellinikon Sports Park, where the special stage of the 2026 EKO Acropolis Rally has been laid out and from where the race will start tomorrow.
Speaking to COSMOTE TV, Mr. Mitsotakis stressed that “the gas pedal is for the racetrack, not for the road,” emphasizing that the reduction in traffic fatalities represents a significant social achievement. As he noted, the 21% reduction in traffic fatalities translates to more than 150 lives saved each year, though he pointed out that Greece still lags behind the European average.
The prime minister noted that changing the driving culture, particularly among younger generations, is a key priority, while making special mention of intensive breathalyzer checks and the need for responsible behavior on the roads. “We don’t take ideas from what we see and replicate them on the roads,” he remarked, urging citizens to enjoy the Acropolis Rally safely.
At the same time, Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of choosing Elliniko as the venue for the rally’s special stage, noting that the area is gradually being transformed into a major hub for sports, recreation, and entertainment. As he said, the first sports facilities will be inaugurated in the coming months, giving citizens the opportunity to make use of a space that, as he emphasized, will not be identified solely with the new residences and large buildings of the project.
The prime minister also underscored the importance of the Acropolis Rally’s return to and continued presence on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, noting that it is an event of particular significance for the country’s international profile. As he noted, the event has regained the prestige it deserves and remains one of the most popular rallies in the world.
During his visit to Ellinikon Sports Park, Kyriakos Mitsotakis had the opportunity to drive a 2026 GR Yaris Aero Performance with Mads Østberg—a former WRC factory driver for Ford and Citroën—as his co-driver, and he also served as a co-driver in a hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Yaris, which is being showcased as one of this year’s innovations in the field of sustainable mobility.
The prime minister also spoke with employees and organizers of the event, highlighting the Acropolis Rally’s contribution to promoting Greece and its potential as a destination for international sporting events.
SOURCE: APE