52nd Cyprus Rally begins in Larnaca

The 52nd Cyprus Rally, the final round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, commenced on Friday, October 23, in Larnaca. Organized by the Cyprus Automobile Club, the three-day event runs through Sunday, October 25, and will determine the 2026 Middle East Rally Champion.

The competition features 30 crews from eight countries, including Qatar, Spain, Romania, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. Leading the field is Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar, driving a Skoda Fabia, who seeks his tenth victory in Cyprus and his 21st career championship. Other prominent contenders include Abdullah Al-Rawahi from Oman, Hamza Bakhashab from Saudi Arabia, and local champions Simos Galatariotis and Panayiotis Yiagkou.

The rally covers a total of 657.74 km, including 183.92 km of dirt stages across 12 special stages. The event concludes on Sunday with the crowning of the new champion at the Finikoudes area in Larnaca.