HERE’S a definite buzz in Limassol today, as the resort once again prepares to host Cyprus’ premier international sporting event: the FxPro Cyprus Rally.
The fun starts tonight with a ceremonial start on the Limassol seafront at 7pm, followed by the first ever running in Cyprus of a specially constructed Super Special Stage at the new port, where competitors will run two together over the two-kilometre track.
The rally is the final round of the 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) and also Round 7 of the 2010 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).
Although the IRC championship has already been decided – the Driver’s title was won by Juho Hanninen and the Manufacturer’s by Skoda, the top drivers competing in Cyprus still have much to play for: reigning Middle East Champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, seeded number one, will be battling to retain his title; third seed Andreas Mikkelsen has already shown impressive form this season, and the 21-year-old Norwegian is looking to score his first IRC victory in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000.
“My aim is to drive fast and my goal is to win” he said earlier this week, though he acknowledged that strategy is all important in this challenging event.
Frenchman Bryan Bouffier, in a Peugeot 207 S2000, is also expected to set good times, despite this being his first time in Cyprus.
“Nasser (Al-Attiyah) will be very, very fast. And Andreas is also fast on gravel. But I will do my best. This will be the first time for me driving gravel tyres on asphalt and it will be very slippery, so I will have to save the tyres. But my aim is to score good times.”
Twenty-seven-year-old Austrian Franz Wittmann, also in a Peugeot 207 S2000, says he will “… be careful to conserve my tyres. It will be difficult, but I plan to survive and hopefully profit from other people’s mistakes.
“I live for gravel rallies and Cyprus should see lots of sliding, so it will be a good show for the spectators.”
Britain’s Harry Hunt will also be competing, looking for the points finish that will secure him the 2010 IRC 2WD Cup title.
The manufacturers’ title in the 2WD Cup will also be decided here, along with third place in the overall IRC manufacturers’ ranking.
International drivers will face tough competition from an impressive line-up of local talent, including past Cyprus Rally winner and defending Cyprus champion Nicos Thomas, and current Cyprus Championship leader Constantinos Tingirides.
Speaking after reconnaissance for tomorrow’s first leg of the event, Thomas – who will be competing in a Peugeot 207 S2000 alongside co-driver Angelos Loizides, was quietly confident but well aware of the challenge that lies ahead: “The stages are nice but there are many rocks at the start of SS2 up until Mantria tou Kampiou due to roadworks.
“This will be a little bit dangerous for the cars. Generally speaking the stages are good. There are hidden traps in the asphalt sections, so we need to be careful.”
Thomas and Loizides, along with Constantinos Tingirides and co-driver Panayiotis Sialos in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, are two of the four crews making up an all-new Cypriot rally team, which will compete in the event under the Petrolina banner.
The FxPro Cyprus Rally will be followed on Sunday by the Love Cyprus Golden Stage Rally – a one-day rallying showcase event that will see drivers competing in a single-stage shoot-out for an impressive €150,000 prize fund.
For further details about the 2010 FxPro Cyprus Rally and the Love Cyprus Golden Stage Rally – including ticket details and the entertainment events taking place at the Limassol Rally Village – visit the official website at cyprusrally.com.cy
