The 50th Cyprus Rally will determine the 2023 FIA Middle East champion!
The twelve gravel special stages of the 50th Cyprus Rally, which is organized by the Cyprus Automobile Association, between 6-8 October 2023, will determine this year's champion in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).
The cancellation of the 6th and final event of the championship, which would have been the Kuwait International Rally in November, automatically turns the Cypriot rally into the title decider of the 2023 Middle East championship.
In its 50th event, the Cyprus Rally will host between October 6-8, 2023 the three leaders of this year's MERC. Following four races, in Oman, Qatar, Jordan and Lebanon, Abdullah Al Rawahi (Oman) with co-driver Ata Al-Hmoud (Jordan), are in the lead with 84 points. Next with 78 points is Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar) with co-driver Mathieu Baumel (Andorra), while Mshari Althefiri (Kuwait) with co-driver Nasser Saadon Alkuwari (Qatar) are in third place with 60 points.
With only six points separating Al Rawahi and Al-Attiyah, the battle between them on the special stages of Cyprus is expected with great interest. The Omani driver will be looking to finish ahead of the 7-time winner in Cyprus to be crowned Middle East champion for the first time in his career. On the other hand, the experienced Qatari is chasing his 13th consecutive MERC title and 19th overall in his career.
In terms of points, first place gives 30 points, second place 24 points, third 21 points, fourth 19 points, fifth 17 points, sixth 15 points. A tie on 108 points is likely, which would happen if Al-Attiyah wins and Al Rawahi finishes second. In this case, the FIA tie-break regulations will apply.
Based in Nicosia
The 50th Cyprus Rally, organized by the Cyprus Automobile Association, will also act as the 3rd and 4th rounds of the Cyprus Rally Championship, with each day of the race counting as a separate round for the local championship.
This year’s event will be based in Nicosia, with the Service Park, Headquarters and Press Center all located opposite the Police Headquarters, in Aglantzia.
The start ceremony on Friday (06/10) and the finish ceremony on Sunday (08/10) will take place at the old town hall of Nicosia, in Eleftheria Square. On September 27, based on the regulations, the organizers will announce the special stages, along with the corresponding maps.
This year's event is supported by the Municipalities of Nicosia and Aglantzia.
More information at www.cyprusrally.com.cy.