ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT RALLYING...

... But were afraid to ask!

With the 2008 Cyprus Rally just weeks away, many people will be feeling that they could appreciate the event more, if only they knew more about what a rally is. The truth is, in order to enjoy rallying, you don't have to understand every single rule and regulation - In fact, not many people do! "Is it a race?" "What exactly is a special stage?" " What's a Service Park?" Here we try to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions:

WHAT IS A RALLY?

First of all, a rally is not a race. While high speeds do play their part, the event involves drivers piloting their cars around a specially prepared route whilst observing strict time controls. The competing cars all start and finish the rally at the same place, and begin the rally at two-minute intervals. The Cyprus Rally takes place over three days.

WHAT ARE 'ROAD SECTIONS' AND 'SPECIAL STAGES'?

The rally route is divided into different sections, these are known as 'road sections' and 'special stages'.

Road sections are stretches of public road where competing drivers must observe all local speed limits and regulations, as well as the strict time controls imposed by the organizers. Any deviation from the allotted times (i.e. Travelling between different points either too quickly or too slowly) will meet with time penalties.

Special stages, on the other hand, are where the action is! These are (usually) where all those dramatic shots of flying cars come from. As drivers pilot their cars around the road sections, they will pass through certain sections of road that are closed to public traffic. These closed sections are known as ‘special stages’. Basically, drivers must complete these special stages as quickly as possible. The driver with the fastest time is declared the winner of that special stage. A day’s rallying will typically take in several special stages.

WHAT IS THE SERVICE PARK / RALLY VILLAGE?

Because of the severe punishment drivers put their cars through, regular servicing is important. The Cyprus Rally features a single service park in Lemesos. Here, team mechanics are responsible for changing any worn or damaged components on the car. Again, strict time limits are enforced and time penalties are imposed on crews who are late getting back on the road. The Cyprus Rally also features a Rally Village, where team boutiques sell rally merchandise and various other entertainment events take place. The Rally Village is located at the same place as the service park.

WHAT IS THE ‘PARC FERME’?

Crews are not allowed to work on cars outside of the times allocated, so vehicles are kept in the Parc Ferme (which is basically a secured car park) overnight.

WHO WINS THE RALLY?

Throughout the rally, drivers accumulate time. By avoiding time penalties on the road sections and in the service park, and by achieving fast times in the special stages, the crews try to keep their overall time as low as possible. At the end of the rally, the crew with the lowest overall time is declared the winner.

CAN I WATCH?

Yes, spectators can watch the event, both on special stages and at the service park. Given the obvious dangers involved, there are strict rules for where spectators can stand. On special stages, there are defined areas where spectators can view the action. Spectators should ensure they follow the safety rules carefully, and must always follow the instructions of rally marshals. In the service park, the team areas are closed to spectators but you can get close enough to watch the mechanics at work. By hanging around the service park, you’ll also get to see the world’s top drivers taking a well-earned break, while their cars receive some TLC!

WHEN IS THE CYPRUS RALLY?

Set for 16th-18th May, the 2008 Cyprus Rally promises to be a memorable spectacle, with the greatest names in the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) arriving on the island in their quest for the coveted 2008 MERC title, including 2007 champion  Nasser Saleh Al Attiya, second place finisher Khaled Al Qassimi,, Amjad Farrah, and others. At the same time Subaru and Mitsubishi will do battle for the manufacturers crown.

OK, I’M HOOKED… BUT WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

The official event website at www.cyprusrally.com.cy is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about "the most challenging gravel routes in the world." From mid-September, the official Cyprus Rally Programme will also be available. On sale at bookshops, kiosks and newsagents all over Cyprus, the programme is packed with everything you need to know about the routes, the teams, the drivers, and much, much more.