Ford driver Gigi Galli won the inaugural Colin McRae Trophy at the Acropolis Rally, given to the driver with the fastest average speed through a stage. Galli recorded the rally’s fastest average speed - 100.77kph - though Sunday’s 15.14 kilometre Avlonas stage (SS14).
The organising committee of the Acropolis Rally created the award to commemorate the life of McRae, who holds the record for the most outright victories on the event. From 11 starts the Scottish driver won the rally five times. His most recent win, for Ford in 2002, was his last European WRC victory.
‘It is a very special feeling and a big honour to receive this award,’ said Galli. ‘Colin was a great hero of mine. My rally has not gone according to plan but I pushed as hard as I could when I could to get some fastest times and I’m sure he would have done the same thing in that position. People say we drive in the same style with a lot of energy and passion and it is fantastic when I hear this. Even with a bad rally this has really lifted my spirits.’
You can see Galli’s winning drive below.
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