The organisers of the Cyprus Rally have confirmed that major changes have been made to this year's event, as the country prepares to re-gain a slot on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar in 2008.
The candidate event, which will count as a round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship - the second time this year Cyprus has held a round of the MERC, having staged the Troodos Rally in April - will take place in the autumn, running from October 12-14. It is expected to be observed by the
FIA.
Cyprus is competing with Poland to gain the final slot on next season's schedule, after South Africa pulled out of the running. Poland held its candidate event back in June.
The organisers have apparently ‘re-assessed and re-examined every aspect of the event, to craft an all-new, reinvigorated event, built on the strengths of what came before, which will be an exhilarating, unforgettable experience for teams and fans alike'.
“Several new stages are being introduced, while those classic stages which are being re-used are in great shape, thanks to last year's surface re-grading and regular maintenance. Plus, a number of stages will be used just once during the course of the rally,” explained a statement to the media.
“Following requests from the teams, 2007 will also see the return of the popular ‘Seafront Service Park' on Limassol promenade. A new Rally Headquarters is also being set up.
“It should be stressed that the revamped Cyprus Rally has actually been crafted as a three-day event, ready for its return to the WRC, but for 2007 an abbreviated event will be run, in keeping with the two-day nature of MERC rallies.”
"The Cyprus Rally is always a lot of fun, with an upbeat and friendly atmosphere, both in the Service Park, between the teams, and among the fans,” said Cyprus Rally press officer, Chris Christodoulou. “Statistics prove that the Cyprus Rally is a favourite with fans all over the world.
