Cyprus prepares for Troodos Rally

Cyprus prepares to welcome the Middle East's Rallying elite for the Troodos Rally, the penultimate round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship to take place on November 7-9 in Geroroskipou.

The Cyprus Automobile Association (CAA), the organizers of the event, are entering the final stages of preparation for this exciting world-class sporting event, which is round 6 of this year’s Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).

A press release issued today by the rally's press office writes that the annual rally will enjoy a change of venue for 2008 as its base moves to the town of Geroskipou on the west coast.

Deadline for entries is October 24th and a strong line-up of international contenders is expected. ''As ever, the event will be an unforgettable battle in the Troodos Mountains with the rallying elite from Cyprus and beyond taking part,'' the release adds.
Middle East interest in the event is especially high this year after personal invitations were sent out to foreign crews by Geroskipou Mayor Tasos Kouzoupos.

Furthermore, the organizers have promised an all-new course featuring previously unused special stages – effectively eliminating any advantage veteran drivers of the event might have over the new blood.

The Middle East Rally Championship moved to Jordan over the weekend, where Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah and Ulster co-driver Chris Patterson scored an emphatic victory in their Subaru Impreza. Al-Attiyah benefited from the retirement of Lebanon’s Roger Feghali’s Mitsubishi in the 11th stage, and went on to chalk up his fourth Jordan Rally win in the last six years.

London-based Lebanese driver Nick Georgiou finished in 2nd-place, furthering his advantage over Cypriot Nicos Thomas in the battle for the Pirelli Star Driver award. Al-Attiyah heads to Cyprus as Championship leader, secure in the knowledge that he has won the last five consecutive Troodos Rally events.