 Martin is chasing his first WRC win |
Markko Martin held onto his Acropolis Rally lead after Saturday's stages despite fierce pressure from Carlos Sainz. The Estonian, driving a Ford Focus, finished 55.8 seconds ahead of Spain's Sainz in a Citroen Xsara.
Martin was one minute and 17 seconds in front of third-placed Norway's Peter Solberg of Norway in a Subaru Impreza.
Scotland's Colin McRae - five times a winner of the Greek leg of the World Rally Championship - ended the day fourth.
That left him well ahead of fellow Briton Richard Burns, the championship leader, who finished sixth after his Peugeot suffered gear box trouble.
The 28-year-old Martin, seeking his first WRC victory, said he was "more confident" and driving at a "comfortable speed".
Martin was leading in last month's Rally of Argentina when his engine failed.
Current champion Marcus Gronholm of Finland, second in this season's standings, retired on Friday with mechanical problems.
A total of 36 cars have dropped out since the gruelling event through mountainous terrain began.
Leading positions after Special Stage 16:
1. Markko Martin (Est) Ford 3hrs 30mins 25.8secs
2. Carlos Sainz (Spa) Citroen 3:31.21.6
3. Petter Solberg (Nor) Subaru 3:31.42.8
4. Colin McRae (GB) Citroen 3:31.59.4
5. Tommi Makinen (Fin) Subaru 3:32.30.8
6. Richard Burns (GB) Peugeot 3:32.36.5
7. Harri Rovanpera (Fin) Peugeot 3:33.56.9
8. Gilles Panizzi (Fra) Peugeot 3:34.00.7
9. Didier Auriol (Fra) Skoda 3:34.38.7
10. Roman Kresta (Cze) Peugeot 
MMIX
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