50 years of Cyprus Rally excellence

The Cyprus Rally, marking its remarkable 50th edition, promises an exhilarating spectacle from October 6 to 8, 2023. Hosted by the Cyprus Automobile Association, this rally holds a prestigious place as the 5th round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) and concurrently as the 3rd and 4th rounds of the Cyprus Rally Championship. Each day of racing counts as a distinct chapter in the local championship's narrative.

The action unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of the Nicosia district's mountainous terrain and the outskirts of the capital. Nicosia itself serves as the epicenter, with key locations like the Service Park, Headquarters, and Press Center stationed opposite the Police Headquarters in Aglantzia.

The rally's ceremonial start, a momentous occasion, kicks off in style at Eleftheria Square on Friday, October 6th, at 6 pm, with the finish ceremony scheduled for Sunday, October 8th, at the old Nicosia town hall.

What sets the 50th Cyprus Rally apart are its twelve challenging gravel special stages, covering a total length of 195.36 kilometers. These stages will be contested over two days, October 7th and 8th, 2023.

Day one sees rally cars conquering three repeated special stages, beginning with the 8.05 km long SS1 in Xyliatos at 09:33 AM. The action continues with the 19.86 km SS2 in Kapouras and the 21.01 km SS3 in Kourdali. Afternoon brings a return to these stages, ensuring an exciting day totaling 97.84 kilometers of special stages and 235.32 kilometers of liaison distance.

Following an overnight stay in Nicosia, the rally resumes on Sunday, October 8th, with another set of challenges. The 14.10 km SS7 in Yeri, starting at 08:43 AM, kicks off the second day. This is followed by SS8 in Lefkara (19.78 km) and SS9 in Agios Epifanios (14.88 km). The afternoon leg retraces these stages with SS10 in Yeri, SS11 in Lefkara, and SS12 in Agios Epifanios. Day two concludes with 97.52 kilometers of special stages and 302.88 kilometers of liaison distance.

In total, the 50th Cyprus Rally spans 733.56 kilometers over three days, making it a thrilling and unforgettable motorsport spectacle. As the 5th and final round of the Middle East Rally Championship and a crucial event for the local Cyprus Rally Championship, this milestone rally is set to captivate both participants and spectators alike.

Supported by the Nicosia and Aglantzia Municipalities and the Cyprus Police, this event promises to be a celebration of speed, skill, and endurance, showcasing the rich tradition of rally racing in Cyprus. Don't miss the chance to witness history in the making at the 50th Cyprus Rally!

[With information sourced from CNA]