Gigi Galli collects award for fastest speed in Greece

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford driver Gigi Galli won the inaugural Colin McRae Trophy, offered by the organisers of the Acropolis Rally of Greece 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. McRae won the rally five times from 11 starts. 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.”