Conner Martell makes his WRC Debut at the Acropolis Rally
Conner Martell made his WRC debut this past weekend at the most challenging race of the series : the “Acropolis Rally”. After only having three days of testing in the Lancia Ypsiolon Rally2 HF Integrale, he quickly proved that he had what it takes to compete in the highest echelon of Rally competition. Battling against drivers with many years of experience, he settled in quite well pacing himself behind the top competitors in his class.
By the end of Day 2 he had positioned himself in 15th overall in class after dealing with multiple punctures and the elements that make the Acropolis Rally so world renowned. His goal with the support of Co-Driver “Alex Gelsomino” and the notable French team “2C Competition” was to survive what is considered to be one of, if not the toughest rally in the world. By the end of Day 3 he sat in 12th overall once again dealing with more mechanical issues; specifically leaking tire valve stems on both his spares. Issues that are all to common for competitors of this rally whom know its not necessarily about setting the fastest pace but more so surviving the rugged roads.
On the 4th and final day of the Rally, Martell and Gelsomino set out on SS14 “Aghii Theodori” with their sights set on completing an event that had already displaced countless competitors in both the Rally1 and Rally2 classes. Setting split times that were marginally close to the top 3 in his class, one mistake cost the duo everything as they carried to much speed into a left hand corner and rolled the car ultimately resulting in a DNF. A tough pill to swallow and a harsh reality of the potential outcomes of performing at high speeds on thoroughly rutted and washed out roads. Nonetheless, Martell made his presence known and showed that he has the speed to perform at the level needed to be a part of the World Rally Championship.
Martell had this to say : “Greece was one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever had. It was an incredible race and I learned so much. I’m looking forward to Finland and to bring everything I learned from Greece. I’m very proud of how we did despite the crash but I am walking away with my head high. More mistakes will happen before I learn everything and it’s still early in my career. Thank you to everyone who believes in my and I will continue to do my best to be the best”
Gelsomino had this to say : “ It was great for me to be back in the WRC after a few years or absence. I was also equally as stoked for Conner to participate in his first ever WRC Rally. What an epic week it was! The Acropolis Rally had some of the toughest and most challenging roads I’ve been on in my career. We leave Greece with a lot of experience and seat time gained in the new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, as well as a lot of data to work on and progress for the future. A big thanks to both our team and the sponsors that are allowing Conner and I to live this amazing opportunity!”
The duo will be back for the next round : WRC Finland which has roads closely resembling the style of the American Rally Championship. Wide open, fast and lots of jumps!