ORGANISERS of the inaugural Pafos International Rally have given more details about what promises to be a hugely successful motorsport event.
Set to take place between Friday 1st and Sunday 3rd July this year, the Pafos International Rally succeeds the long-standing and internationally acclaimed Troodos Rally.
Round 4 of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) and an official round of this year’s Cyprus National Rally Championship, the new event will see competitors from across Cyprus and the region do battle on the island’s renowned special stages.
The Troodos Rally and the annual Cyprus Rally have played key roles in the history of the Middle East Rally Championship and the organisers, the Cyprus Automobile Association (CAA), will be bringing their considerable experience to bear to ensure that the all-new Pafos International Rally is an instant success.
Relocating one of the island’s most significant and popular sporting events is no mean feat, but with the support of the local municipality and the promise of a memorable Service Park located close to Pafos’ lively harbour, the organisers are going all-out to ensure this ranks among the most memorable of the island’s many successful rallies.
Speaking at a press conference, Chairman of the CAA Antonis Michaelides said: “We are very excited about what is sure to be a great event.
“From the outset, I’d like to express my thanks to Pafos Municipality and the Mayor of Pafos, Mr Savvas Vergas, who have given us their support from the start.
“I am confident that this year will mark the beginning of a new era in Cyprus rallying. The Service Park for our event, which will be based in the parking area close to Pafos harbour and the Archaeological Park, will be at the heart of the tourist area during the summer tourist season.
“This will open up our Rally to many new fans and can only be to the benefit of tourism in Cyprus.”
Mayor Vergas also attended the press conference and expressed his pride that Pafos will be hosting a major international sporting event that will see the town and the island promoted on the international stage.
Entries are now open for the 2011 Pafos International Rally, which sits in the middle of this year’s MERC calendar.
Rounds have already taken place in Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, and Sheik Abdullah Al Qassimi of the UAE currently sits on top of the leaderboard with 51 points.
Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah sits second, just one point behind with 50 points, but will be feeling confident of victory given his spectacular unbroken run of eight victories at MERC events in Cyprus. A further three rounds of the MERC will be held after the Pafos International Rally, in Lebanon, Syria and Dubai.
2011 will see Cyprus host two major international rallying events. Attracting entrants from across the globe, the Cyprus Rally is one of the best known rallies on the international stage and this year’s event will take place between the 3rd and 5th of November. It will serve as the 12th and final round of the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) calendar.
Entry forms for the 2011 Pafos International Rally can be obtained at the event organisers’ official website www.caa.com.cy
