Final Rnd 11-Rally Cyprus Nov 3-5 talk/results spoiler*

[Weasel 555]

Final Round 11. Cyprus Rally Cyprus - Asphalt / Gravel 03-05 November 2011

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/50501_150584038303965_5978667_n.jpg

The Cyprus Rally joined the IRC for the first time in 2010 and became an instant hit with drivers and fans alike. Rough and rocky gravel roads, smooth and broken asphalt, plus punishing ambient temperatures all combine to make the event, based in the hills near Pafos, one of the toughest on the calendar.

Official Website: cyprusrally.com.cy/2011/ (http://www.cyprusrally.com.cy/2011/)


Rally Radio: rallyradio.com/Listen_live (http://www.rallyradio.com/RallyRadio/Listen_live.html)



. :cool:

[Francisco]

POLL: Who will claim the 2011 IRC Drivers' Title? Click Here - Vote Now! (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/who-will-claim-2011-irc-drivers-title)

Juho Hänninen (ŠKODA), Jan Kopecký (ŠKODA), Freddy Loix (ŠKODA), Andreas Mikkelsen (ŠKODA), or Thierry Neuville (Peugeot)?

Click Here - Vote Now! (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/who-will-claim-2011-irc-drivers-title)

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[Francisco]

Pre-Cyprus Rally 2011 Headlines

IRC Cyprus Rally Preview (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/irc-cyprus-rally-preview)

The fifth season of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge is set for a thrilling climax in Cyprus next week (3-5 November) when five drivers go head to head for the prestigious crown. Juho Hanninen, Jan Kopecky, Freddy Loix, Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville are all in the battle for the prestigious IRC title... READ MORE (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/irc-cyprus-rally-preview)

Petrolina to Support Five-car Team in Cyprus (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/petrolina-support-five-car-team-cyprus)

Cypriot petroleum company Petrolina will support a five-car time on next week’s
Intercontinental Rally Challenge decider, the Cyprus Rally... READ MORE (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/petrolina-support-five-car-team-cyprus)

Excitement Grows Ahead of Cyprus Rally (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/excitement-grows-ahead-cyprus-rally)

Leading figures from the Cyprus Rally, the final round of the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge, attended a press conference in the capital Nicosia yesterday as preparations for the mixed-surface event continued. Antonis Michaelides, chairman of the Cyprus Automobile Association, which organises the event, said there would be a number of exciting new developments for this year’s rally... READ MORE (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/excitement-grows-ahead-cyprus-rally)

Golden Stage Rally Set for Live TV Coverage (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/golden-stage-rally-set-live-tv-coverage)

The Cyprus Golden Stage Rally will be shown live on television around the world when it takes place for a second time on Sunday 6 November. Rather than covering a multiple number of stages, the Golden Stage Rally is unique in that it features one single stage, the Golden Stage, covered twice on a mixed surface route of less than 40 kilometres in length... READ MORE (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/golden-stage-rally-set-live-tv-coverage)

Miclotte Not Giving Up on IRC Title Dream (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/miclotte-not-giving-up-irc-title-dream)

Freddy Loix’s co-driver Frederic Miclotte says the BFO-SKODA Rally Team pair won’t give up on their dream of winning the Intercontinental Rally Challenge crown despite conceding they start the title showdown in Cyprus next month with a disadvantage to their rivals. The Belgian aces did not contest the last round in Scotland earlier this month and are sixth in the IRC title race... READ MORE (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/miclotte-not-giving-up-irc-title-dream)

Al-Attiyah Targets Golden Stage Rally Revenge (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/al-attiyah-targets-golden-stage-rally-revenge)

Nasser Al-Attiyah will start the Cyprus Golden Stage Rally on 6 November determined to claim the victory that eluded him when the event took place for the first time last season. Al-Attiyah finished second to Andreas Mikkelsen on the live-for-television spectacular but wants to go one better when he tackles the mixed-surface event in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000... READ MORE (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/al-attiyah-targets-golden-stage-rally-revenge)

Street Stage to Open Cyprus Rally (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/street-stage-open-cyprus-rally)

Next month’s Cyprus Rally, the final round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge,
will get underway with a superspecial stage in downtown Pafos... READ MORE (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/street-stage-open-cyprus-rally)

Hunt Aims for Solid IRC 2WD Cup Finish (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/hunt-aims-solid-irc-2wd-cup-finish)

Reigning IRC 2WD Cup champion Harry Hunt has vowed to finish his 2011 season on a high despite failing in his bid to defend his crown. Hunt needed a strong result in the two-wheel-drive division on the most recent round in Scotland but a crash on the final day ... READ MORE (http://www.worldrallysport.com/content/hunt-aims-solid-irc-2wd-cup-finish)

Catch up on all the LATEST RALLY NEWS here: CLICK (http://www.worldrallysport.com/breakingnews)

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[Francisco]

Bryan Bouffier ruled out of IRC title fight as Peugeot backs Thierry Neuville for Cyprus

By Matt Beer

Monte Carlo winner Bryan Bouffier will not be among the contenders for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge title in next week's Cyprus decider after Peugeot decided to only send Thierry Neuville to the event.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRELrwmgpu0LptF3QBNYKx9fyvUcYU4P gFXoHUX6GRXTgBsMXjJ

Neither Bouffier nor Neuville had originally been expected to contest the finale, but their strong results meant they were among six drivers still in contention for the championship.

Bouffier is currently fifth in the standings, 21 points behind leader Jan Kopecky, but with double points on offer in Cyprus. Corsica and Sanremo winner Neuville is third, five points ahead of Bouffier, and Peugeot Sport's customer competition chief Frederic Bertrand said the firm had decided to prioritise the driver with the best title shot.

"Bouffier still had a chance to win the title, too, but we needed to favour our best-placed driver in the provisional standings," Bertrand explained.

"We would have liked to have done more, but we took a reasoned decision to enter and could only enter just the one car.

"We wish Thierry and [co-driver] Nicolas [Gilsoul] the best of luck. Their mission won't be easy, but they have to keep their challenge going all the way."

Neuville admitted that he would be an underdog in Cyprus given his limited gravel experience.

"Given the little experience I have on gravel, I won't be the favourite, but I don't see that as a problem," said Neuville. "I will take my time to familiarise myself with the stages and then gradually up my pace.

"The outcome isn't entirely in my hands, and I'm expecting it to be a tough rally with plenty of incidents. I will do all I can to stay out of trouble and, if I succeed, the title just might be possible."

READ FULL STORY: Autosport.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/95789)

[Weasel 555]

Never before has the battle for IRC glory been so close with an unprecedented five drivers starting the Cyprus Rally later today (Thursday) firmly in contention for the coveted crown. The following details who can win the title and how.


Jan Kopecky/Petr Stary (SKODA Motorsport Fabia S2000)
Current position: First
Current points: 131 (seventh best score: 15)
If he wins: he’s champion
If he’s second: champion unless any of the other four contenders win, or if Hanninen is third

Juho Hanninen/Mikko Markkula (SKODA Motorsport Fabia S2000)
Current position: Second
Current points: 125 (no score to drop)
If he wins: he’s champion
If he’s second: he’s champion if Kopecky doesn’t win
If he’s third: he’s champion if Kopecky and Neuville both fail to win
If he’s fourth: champion if none of the other contenders win, and if Kopecky isn’t second either

Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg 207 S2000)
Current position: Third
Current points: 115 (seventh best score: 8)
If he wins: he’s champion unless Hanninen finishes second
If he’s second: champion unless any of the other contenders win, or if one of Hanninen or Kopecky finish third

Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Floene (SKODA UK Motorsport Fabia S2000)
Current position: Fourth
Current points: 111.5 (seventh best score: 8)
If he wins: he’s champion if Hanninen is off the podium
If he’s second: he needs Loix and Neuville not to win, Kopecky outside the top four and Hanninen outside the top six

Freddy Loix/Frederic Miclotte (BFO-SKODA Rally Team Fabia S2000)
Current position: Sixth
Current points: 103 (no score to drop)
If he wins: he’s champion if Hanninen is off the podium
If he’s second: he needs Mikkelsen and Neuville not to win, Kopecky outside the top four and Hanninen outside the top six

Table of projected points from positions in Cyprus (using double points system):

JK: 1=166/2=152/3=146/4=140/5=136/6=132/7=131/8=131/9=131/10=131
JH: 1=175/2=161/3=155/4=149/5=145/6=141/7=137/8=133/9=129/10=127
TN: 1=157/2=143/3=137/4=131/5=127/6=123/7=119/7=115/9=115/10=115
AM: 1=153.5/2=139.5/3=133.5/4=127.5/5=123.5/6=119.5/7=115.5/8=111.5/9=111.5/10=111.5
FL: 1=153/2=139/3=133/4=127/5=123/6=119/7=115/8=111/9=107/10=105

Click: ircseries.com/News=3246 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3246)


.:cool:

[Francisco]

Cyprus Rally Pre-Event Press Conference (Nov 3)

Nasser Al-Attiyah, Burcu Çetinkaya, Doros Loucaides, Andreas Mikkelsen and Nicos Thomas attended the pre-event press conference for the Cyprus Rally at the castle in Pafos, which dates back to the 13th century, earlier today.

A transcript follows below:

http://www.ircseries.com//html/gallery/img/gallery/foto/pre_conference_01.JPG

Question to Nasser Al-Attiyah
It’s great to welcome you back to the IRC Nasser and to a country where you have a fantastic record of success. Why do you think this is and how will you get on this weekend?

NAA: “Actually it will not be easy you know. There is five driers coming here to win the IRC title but okay I have a lot of experience of this place and I will try to do my best to win this race. This year is completely different to what we do last year. The stages are a little bit fast and for me it’s the first time expect for two stages that are the same but in the opposite direction. I am ready and it will be really interesting to fight with all the top drivers who come here. It will be an interesting race.”

Question to Nasser Al-Attiyah
You’ve mentioned the threat the IRC regulars are likely to pose this weekend. Who in particular do you expect to fight against?

NAA: “The five drivers coming here to win this race. I don’t know exactly what the points are between the five drivers – maybe I will be the big enemy for all the drivers if I win or if I am second. It will not be easy – maybe we see who pays me the most!”

Question to Nasser Al-Attiyah
Now going fast in rally cars isn’t the only thing that keeps you busy. Tell us about next year and the Olympic Games in London?

NAA: “I am prepared for my fifth Olympic Games in London but it will not be easy. I spend 20 years now during my sport in shooting – it will be really nice to go back again and to fight. For the last two Olympic Games I was only one point to the gold medal but, okay, really it’s my dream to finish top three in the Olympic Games in London and it will be good for my country. I am pushing myself, I have six or seven months now to push a lot. Also I will start the Rallye Monte-Carlo and it will not be easy but I try to do my best.”

Question to Burcu Çetinkaya
After contesting several IRC rounds last season this is only your second appearance of the year in the IRC. What’s kept you away?

BC: “Because it was a last-minute decision made by Peugeot Turkey not to carry on so I had to find new sponsors. The problem was it was mid-April when the decision came and it was late. We did some testing and a few rounds of the Turkish championship until finally the Turkish government and the Ministry of Sport helped us to come back to the IRC. We are doing the last two rounds and we will also be doing the last leg of the Middle East championship in Dubai. It’s good to be back and at least we have done three events.”

Question to Burcu Çetinkaya
Given your lack of knowledge of your ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 what’s your objective on this event?

BC: “First of all they are new stages and it’s only my second rally in this car. Also I was not able to do any testing so it’s going to be difficult. I will not say I can fight for the top places because I have to be realistic. I do not have the experience and I am not fast enough at the moment but I try to be fast, gain the experience and be in the top 10.”

Question to Burcu Çetinkaya
There are several sections on this rally where you’ll be driving on Tarmac roads using tyres designed for gravel stages. As a driver what challenge does this present?

BC: “You are doing Tarmac stages with gravel tyres and the grip is not the same on Tarmac. Because the surface is changing the grip is changing and that is a challenge. But it’s also good fun when you have a challenge. It will be difficult but that can be good fun.”

Question to Doros Loucaides
While your Peugeot 207 is familiar to the IRC we don’t really know much about you and your career. Can you give us a quick summary of what you have done before now?

DL: “That’s true. I have been involved with rallying for the last year and a half. In that short period of time I managed to pick up some good pace that I had from karting and circuit racing and managed to transfer some of those skills into rallying. It’s my second year in rallying and I’m very excited to be in a Peugeot.”

Question to Doros Loucaides
What are the biggest differences you find between circuit racing and rallying?

DL: “I was a national champion in shifter karts and Rotax Max. I then did Formula Palmer Audi and some GT racing but I turned to rallying because it was a local thing to do. I quickly learned that I can’t drive at 100 per cent unless you pick your spots right. Otherwise you will go off.”

Question to Doros Loucaides
What’s your aim for the future – more rallies and possibly some events overseas?

DL: “Definitely, for sure.”

Question to Andreas Mikkkelsen
Some of the IRC title contenders spent last weekend testing but you were actually competing on a rally. Tell us about it and how much will it help you in your bid to win the title?

AM: “I did a rally in Italy, the final round of the Italian [gravel] championship and we managed to take the title. That was very important. My driving was going really well and coming here from Scotland IRC, where we won, and the Italian championship brings a lot of confidence. I have a fantastic feeling with the car after two days of good testing and I’m feeling really good. Okay I did the rally last year but it’s different this year. Two stages are the same but in the opposite direction. The opposition will be really, really high. There is nothing to lose so we will try.”

Question to Andreas Mikkelsen
And with the title the big talking point this weekend can you give us an insight on what’s going through your mind right now and what the atmosphere is like between you and your four IRC title rivals?

AM: “We always have a very good atmosphere in the IRC between the drivers. It’s a big challenge for everyone and it’s really important for everyone. Everyone needs to win except for Juho. It will be a big fight and I’m sure everyone will go flat out from the word go. It’s how it should be.”

Question to Andreas Mikkelsen
Now you’re famous in these parts for your victory on the Golden Stage Rally last season. What did that success mean to you, how did you spend the prize money and what advice would you give a driver trying to win the event for the first time?

AM: “I bought myself a new phone when I got home! The rest I haven’t used so much of it yet. It’s a really nice event and to have such a prize and everyone going flat out every metre to try and get it brings a lot of excitement which rallying needs. It’s a great thing to do especially here in Cyprus. We recced this morning the stage, it’s fantastic, really fast and really tricky. It will be one hell of a show. Cyprus is a special event, there are some really rough stages so you are always trying to find the balance between going as fast as you can without breaking your car. You need to be on it from the first metres.”

Question to Nicos Thomas
You were quite late confirming you entry for the Cyprus Rally – why was this and how much of a struggle has it been to be here?

NT: “I was searching for the funds to do the event and thanks God we found them so we are here. We will see how it goes. The aim is for the Group N category and we will see if it will work.”

Question to Nicos Thomas
What is your overall impression of the stages this year – are we in for a classic Cyprus Rally?

NT: “The stages are faster than previous years so it will be more interesting with the times and for the spectators – it will be very good.”

Question to Nicos Thomas
Eurosport will be showing four stages from the Cyprus Rally live on television. What highlights are in store for fans watching at home in terms of the landscape and the challenge facing the crews?

NT: “It’s a good thing everybody can watch the event from their homes if they are abroad. This is why the IRC series has the most popular events.”

[I]END

[Weasel 555]

SS1: Mikkelsen flies in Pafos streets

Andreas Mikkelsen has made a sensational start to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge title decider in Cyprus by clocking the fastest time through the LTV Super Special Stage held in the streets of Pafos and shown live on the Cypriot broadcaster.

Mikkelsen, driving a ŠKODA Motorsport Fabia Super 2000, completed the 3.20-kilometre all-asphalt course 3.1s faster than defending IRC champion Juho Hänninen. Title leader Jan Kopecký, who is being co-driven by Pavel Dresler for the first time, was third quickest, 0.2s slower than his factory ŠKODA team-mate.

“It’s a good start, a good stage and hopefully we’ll keep it this way for the whole rally,” said Mikkelsen. “We won’t go flat out everywhere but if I drive fast and consistent I’ll be really happy.”

Hänninen was one of several drivers who used scrubbed gravel tyres to improve the handling of his car. “It was a nice start,” said the Finn. “It was quite good with these tyres because the grip felt good.”

Freddy Loix was fourth fastest in his BFO-ŠKODA Rally Team Fabia with fellow Belgian Thierry Neuville fifth in his Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg entry.

“It was not so bad but I lost time braking too for the first corner,” said Neuville. “On Tarmac with the gravel tyre it is very slippery.”

Toshi Arai impressed with the sixth fastest time in his Subaru Impreza R4 STI.

Last year’s Cyprus Rally winner Nasser Al-Attiyah was the first driver to tackle the stage in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000. He said: “There are a lot of spectators, it’s really interesting and the road was quite slippery. A few times we were very close to the kerbs but we were okay.”

Thousands of fans descended on the stage, which was free of charge to members of the public.

Overall positions after SS1

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 2m48.9s
2 Juho Hänninen/Mikko Markkula (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +3.1s
3 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +3.2s
4 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +3.6s
5 Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (Peugeot 207 S2000) +4.1s
6 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +8.9s
7 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +10.7s
8 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +12.1s
9 Mark Wallenwein/Stefan Kopczyk (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +12.3s
10 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +13.7s

Click: ircseries.com/News=3257 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3257)

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[Francisco]

Q&A: Nasser Al-Attiyah (November 3)

Nasser Al-Attiyah is back on Intercontinental Rally Challenge duty for the first time since his victory on the Cyprus Rally 12 months ago.

The Qatari spoke to www.rally-irc.com (http://www.rally-irc.com) (BELOW).

http://www.ircseries.com//html/gallery/img/gallery/foto/al_attiyah_04.JPG

It’s great to welcome you back to the IRC Nasser and to a country where you have a fantastic record of success. Why do you think this is and how will you get on this weekend?

“Actually it will not be easy you know. There is five driers coming here to win the IRC title but okay I have a lot of experience of this place and I will try to do my best to win this race. This year is completely different to what we do last year. The stages are a little bit fast and for me it’s the first time expect for two stages that are the same but in the opposite direction. I am ready and it will be really interesting to fight with all the top drivers who come here. It will be an interesting race.”

You’ve mentioned the threat the IRC regulars are likely to pose this weekend. Who in particular do you expect to fight against?

“The five drivers coming here to win this race. I don’t know exactly what the points are between the five drivers – maybe I will be the big enemy for all the drivers if I win or if I am second. It will not be easy – maybe we see who pays me the most!”

How satisfied were you with your recce?

“Yes I was satisfied actually. We did some testing as well. We know what we need for this rally because nine times we have been here winning and last year we win in the IRC. I have a good confidence and after a good performance in Spain for my first time there, finishing second and fighting with Juho Hänninen. I feel we build a lot of good speed this year but we don’t have the luck on some rallies. But we are here now in Cyprus and we try to win this race. It’s very important and it will be good fun with all the five drivers fighting for the title.”

You’re the only M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 driver in the field. Is that an advantage or a disadvantage?

“I don’t know. All the cars a very similar but we use this car a lot, including in the Middle East championship. I am sure the official factory cars maybe have an advantage because they can change a lot of parts. But this rally is not part of the Middle East championship so I can go really flat out and not worry about anything. This is our aim.”

The event started with an all-asphalt stage through the streets of Pafos. What was that like?

“It will not be an easy stage because it’s inside the town. But it will be good for the spectators as there is more show, more fun so it’s a good idea by the organiser. We say we cannot take risk but when we put the helmet on and tighten the seatbelt we go flat out but we must take care also. There are a lot of steps at the side of the road and we must finish because the real rally starts tomorrow.”

You’ll be first on the road on Friday’s stages. Is that a concern?

“For me I don’t care where I start. There will be a little bit of problem with the cleaning but we know what we can do here.”

Now going fast in rally cars isn’t the only thing that keeps you busy. Tell us about next year and the Olympic Games in London?

“I am prepared for my fifth Olympic Games in London but it will not be easy. I spend 20 years now during my sport in shooting – it will be really nice to go back again and to fight. For the last two Olympic Games I was only one point to the gold medal but, okay, really it’s my dream to finish top three in the Olympic Games in London and it will be good for my country. I am pushing myself, I have six or seven months now to push a lot. Also I will start the Rallye Monte-Carlo and it will not be easy but I try to do my best.”

Source: www.rally-irc.com (http://www.rally-irc.com)

END

[Francisco]

Catch the Cyprus action live on Rally Radio

As well as watching live stage action on Eurosport, fans of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge can get live updates from the Cyprus Rally through Rally Radio. Rally Radio by iRally, which is supported by Peugeot UK and ŠKODA UK, will be live throughout all three days of the IRC season finale, plus Sunday’s Cyprus Golden Stage Rally.

Julian Porter will present the programme, with Colin Clark, the voice of live rally radio, at the end of stages, and Mark Jones producing.

Click here for more info: LIVE RALLY RADIO (http://www.rallyradio.com/RallyRadio/Welcome.html)

The local on-air times are as follows:

Thursday November 3: 18:15hrs
Friday November 4: 10:00hrs
Saturday November 5: 09:00hrs
Sunday November 6: 12:00hrs

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[Weasel 555]

Friday
SS2: Drama as Hänninen crashes out

There was high drama on Friday’s first stage in Cyprus this morning when defending Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Juho Hänninen rolled his ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 into retirement.

It effectively means that whoever of the four remaining IRC title contenders – Jan Kopecký, Freddy Loix, Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville – wins the Cyprus Rally will claim the coveted title.

Hänninen is reported to have gone off the road on the second corner on the asphalt section of the 24.15-kilometre mixed surface Koilinia stage. It is understood his car ended up some distance from the road.

Andreas Mikkelsen, in a ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia S2000, has maintained his overall lead by going fastest through the stage, 3.9s quicker than Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg’s Thierry Neuville, who moves into second overall. Neuville was delayed starting the stage following Hänninen’s crash.

Nasser Al-Attiyah picked up a puncture on the road section heading to the stage and feared he had broken a front driveshaft on his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000.

Freddy Loix, competing on gravel for the first time in three years, said he’d made a hesitant start to the extent he was 46.8s slower than Mikkelsen. Jan Kopecký, who was fourth fastest, said he was too cautious.

Karl Kruuda lost time when the intercom failed in his Fabia. Patrik Sandell said he had too much wheelspin in his similar car.

Overall positions after SS2

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 23m12.7s
2 Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (Peugeot 207 S2000) +8.0s
3 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +16.0s
4 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +22.0s
5 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +38.9s
6 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +50.4s
7 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m04.3s
8 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m09.1s
9 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +1m16.6s
10 Mark Wallenwein/Stefan Kopczyk (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m18.4s

Click: ircseries.com/News=3268 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3268)

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SS3: Neuville snatches lead in Cyprus

Thierry Neuville has snatched the lead of the Cyprus Rally by winning stage three, the 18.16-kilometre Salamiou test, which was shown on Eurosport.

Driving a Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg 207 Super 2000, Neuville was 11.2s faster than last year’s Cyprus winner Nasser Al-Attiyah in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000. As a result he leads overall by 8.8s.

IRC title leader Jan Kopecký, in a ŠKODA Motorsport Fabia S2000, was third fastest with former pacesetter Andreas Mikkelsen fourth quickest after suffering a spin in his ŠKODA UK Fabia.

“We lost eight to 10 seconds,” said Mikkelsen, who slips to second overall. “I was coming into a loose section and lost the rear. It was my fault but we have to push to stay in front.”

Neuville said he relished the predominantly asphalt-based stage: “I prefer asphalt and I pushed very hard, to the maximum.”

Crews are now heading back to Pafos for a regroup and service halt. Stage four, the second Koilinia test, gets underway at 14:47hrs.

Overall positions after SS3

1 Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (Peugeot 207 S2000) 35m12.1s
2 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +8.8s
3 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +21.2s
4 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +25.2s
5 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +56.2s
6 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m01.1s
7 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m28.1s
8 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m46.1s
9 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +2m00.9s
10 Mark Wallenwein/Stefan Kopczyk (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m01.6s

Click: ircseries.com/News=3270 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3270)

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SS4: Mikkelsen moves back in front

Andreas Mikkelsen has moved back into the lead of the Cyprus Rally, despite completing the repeat of the 24.15-kilometre Koilinia stage with the boot of his ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia Super 2000 flapping open and ingesting dust.

Mikkelsen, who dropped out of top spot when he spun on the previous stage, reported the problem occurring eight kilometres into the test.

“The back door went open and there was so much dust in the car that it was difficult to see,” said Mikkelsen, who won the stage to open up a lead of 18.7s. “I also thought I was losing power in the stage.”

Thierry Neuville’s hopes of victory – and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge title – have suffered a huge setback after the Belgian picked up a right-rear puncture on his Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg 207 Super 2000, losing almost three minutes in the process.

“We had a puncture in the beginning and after we restart we had a problem with the battery,” said the dejected Belgian. “We try to fix it and go to the finish today.”

Nasser Al-Attiyah, in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000, has moved ahead of IRC title leader Jan Kopecký into second overall after the Czech reported losing time in the dust clouds created by Neuville’s Peugeot.

“There were four or five kilometres when I was completely in the dust, I nearly went off the road,” said the factory ŠKODA driver.

Mark Wallenwein suffered a front-left puncture on his ŠKODA Auto Deutschland Fabia.

Stage five, Salamiou 2, gets underway at 16:10hrs local time and will be shown live on Eurosport.

Overall positions after SS4

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 55m26.5s
2 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +18.7s
3 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +39.7s
4 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m25.2s
5 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m29.1s
6 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m04.0s
7 Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (Peugeot 207 S2000) +2m46.5s
6 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +56.2s
7 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m28.1s
8 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m46.1s
9 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +2m00.9s
10 Mark Wallenwein/Stefan Kopczyk (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m01.6s

Click: ircseries.com/news=3271 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readnews.asp?id=3271)

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Neuville forced to retire from day one

Thierry Neuville has been forced to retire from the Cyprus Rally, the final round of the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge season, due to an alternator failure.

Neuville, at the wheel of a Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg 207 Super 2000, had led after three stages but hit trouble on stage four when he suffered a right-rear puncture.

After restarting the Belgian experienced a loss of power, which was traced to an alternator fault shortly after the stage finish.

“We didn’t want to break the engine so the best solution is to stop,” Neuville told Rally Radio. “We were really going in the right rhythm, pushing hard without making mistakes. We’ve been lucky sometimes this season but now we have been unlucky. We continue tomorrow.”

Click: ircseries.com/news=3272 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readnews.asp?id=3272)

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SS5: Mikkelsen extends advantage

A third stage victory of the day has ensured Andreas Mikkelsen tops the Cyprus Rally leaderboard at the completion of day one of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier.

Driving a ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia Super 2000, Mikkelsen headed Nasser Al-Attiyah by 2.0s over the mixed-surface Salamiou 2 stage shown live on Eurosport, LTV and RTBF. The Norwegian’s overnight lead stands at 20.7s.

Al-Attiyah, the winner in Cyprus 12 months ago, lost precious seconds running wide on a left-hand bend in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000.

Freddy Loix, who was fourth quickest in his BFO-ŠKODA Rally Team Fabia, 9.6s slower than IRC title leader Jan Kopecký, suffered a spin. Karl Kruuda also spun avoiding striking a rock in his privateer Fabia.

A front-right puncture caused Mark Wallenwein further delay in his ŠKODA Auto Deutschland entry.

Crews are now heading to the overnight service halt in Pafos. The action resumes with the 14.82-kilometre Gialia stage on Saturday morning.

Overall positions after SS5

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 1h07m17.7s
2 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +20.7s
3 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +46.1s
4 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m41.2s
5 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m46.3s
6 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m43.5s
7 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +3m30.6s
8 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +4m35.3s
9 Nicos Thomas/Angelos Loizides (Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX) +5m23.7s
10 Charalambos Timotheou/Pambos Laos (Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX) +6m42.9s

Click: ircseries.com/news=3274 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readnews.asp?id=3274)


.:cool:

[Weasel 555]

Day one review: Mikkelsen on top in Cyprus

Andreas Mikkelsen has completed a dramatic opening day of the Cyprus Rally leading the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier and firmly on course for the coveted title in his ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia Super 2000.

The 22-year-old started Friday’s opening test with a 3.1s advantage following his fastest time on Thursday night’s LTV Super Special Stage through the streets of Pafos, which attracted thousands of spectators.

Co-driven by Ola Fløene, Mikkelsen grew that margin to 8.0s with the quickest run on stage two only for a spin – and a charging drive by Thierry Neuville – to drop him behind his Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg title rival on the very next test.

But second became first when Neuville suffered a right-rear puncture on stage four before he was slowed by an alternator fault that would ultimately force his retirement from the day.

However, there were no such problems for Mikkelsen who charged to his third stage win of the day with a rapid run through stage five, one of two tests shown live on Eurosport, LTV and RTBF during the day, to hold an overnight lead of 20.7s.

But while Mikkelsen reflected on a strong opening day held in glorious Cypriot sunshine, defending IRC champion Juho Hänninen was left to rue a “stupid mistake” that caused him to crash on the second corner of Friday’s first test and end his hopes of a second title in a row. “I was too fast for the corner, ran wide and rolled,” said the factory ŠKODA ace.

Hänninen’s ŠKODA team-mate Jan Kopecký enjoyed better fortune, reaching the overnight halt in third position 25.4s behind Nasser Al-Attiyah, the winner in Cyprus in 2010. Kopecký, who is being co-driven by Pavel Dresler after his regular navigator Petr Starý fell ill in the build-up to the event, admitted he was being too cautious in his bid to defend his title lead.

Freddy Loix, one of five IRC title contenders prior to the start, struggled to make an impact in his BFO-ŠKODA Rally Team Fabia. The normally rapid Belgian hadn’t driven on gravel stages for three years and lacked the cutting edge needed to threaten the podium positions on the loose-surface sections, although a spin on stage five didn’t help his cause. He is fourth overnight, 1m41.2s behind Mikkelsen.

Patrik Sandell is a strong fifth for ŠKODA Sweden with Estonian teenager Karl Kruuda sixth in his privateer Fabia. Multiple German champion Matthias Kahle is seventh although a double puncture has hit ŠKODA Auto Deutschland team-mate Mark Wallenwein’s chances of a top 10 finish.

Toshi Arai heads the IRC Production Cup standings in his Subaru Impreza R4 STI, while Cypriots Nicos Thomas and Charalambos Timotheou complete the top 10 in their Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancers.

Read More: ircseries.com/News=3275 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3275)


Cyprus Gallery: ircseries.com/Cyprus Rally Gallery (http://www.ircseries.com/html/Gallery_Details.asp?nome=Cyprus%20Rally%202011&id=42)


... :cool:

[Weasel 555]

Saturday
SS6: Kruuda impresses in Cyprus

Karl Kruuda has impressed on Saturday’s first stage, setting the second fastest time behind Cyprus Rally leader Andreas Mikkelsen.

The Estonian teenager, in a privateer ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000, was 2.8s slower than Mikkelsen whose overall lead on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge event has increased to 27.6s.

Asked by Rally Radio’s Colin Clark to explain his pace, Kruuda said: “I had pancakes and strawberry jam for breakfast and the stage was on a flat level so the power didn’t mean so much.”

Nasser Al-Attiyah holds second overall in his Autotek Motorsport M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000. However, his margin over IRC title leader Jan Kopecký is down to 6.8s after the Czech beat the Qatari through the stage, which ran entirely on gravel and measured 14.82 kilometres in length.

Kopecký had been 25.4s behind Al-Attiyah overnight but the gap was adjusted to 10.8s after event stewards considered video evidence of Kopecký being slowed running behind Thierry Neuville on stage four, when the Belgian's Peugeot 207 developed an alternator fault.

In the battle for fourth, ŠKODA Sweden’s Patrik Sandell has moved ahead of BFO- ŠKODA driver Freddy Loix with the Belgian continuing to report problems adapting to driving on gravel stages.

Overall positions after SS6

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 1h20m21.6s
2 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +27.6s
3 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +34.4s
4 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m51.0s
5 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m54.0s
6 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m46.3s
7 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +4m01.7s
8 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +4m52.1s
9 Nicos Thomas/Angelos Loizides (Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX) +5m41.5s
10 Charalambos Timotheou/Pambos Laos (Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX) +7m09.8s

Click: ircseries.com/News=3279 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3279)

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SS7: Mikkelsen edges clear in Cyprus

Andreas Mikkelsen has increased his lead of the Cyprus Rally by winning stage seven of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier.

The Norwegian ace, in his ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia, was fastest through the 15.91-kilometre all-asphalt Stavros stage, which crews had to tackle with gravel tyres and gravel suspension settings.

As a result, Mikkelsen now leads Nasser Al-Attiyah by 32.9s with IRC title leader Jan Kopecký falling 14.5s behind the M-Sport Ford Fiesta driver after going 7.7s slower than the Qatari through the stage in his factory ŠKODA.

Nicos Thomas remains the leading Cypriot driver in ninth overall in his Petrolina-backed Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. However, Thomas continues to trail IRC Production Cup leader Toshi Arai in a Subaru Impreza R4 STI.

Crews are now heading to the 19.15-kilometre mixed-surface Anadiou stage, which will be shown live on Eurosport, LTV and RTBF.

Overall positions after SS7

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 1h31m47.3s
2 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +32.9s
3 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +47.4s
4 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m09.6s
5 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m11.8s
6 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +3m07.6s
7 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +4m36.4s
8 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +5m37.3s
9 Nicos Thomas/Angelos Loizides (Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX) +6m37.0s
10 Charalambos Timotheou/Pambos Laos (Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX) +8m10.0s

Click: ircseries.com/News=3280 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3280)

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SS8: Al-Attiyah charges to stage best

Nasser Al-Attiyah proved that he isn’t giving up on winning the Cyprus Rally just yet after a charging run through the mixed-surface Anadiou stage shown live on Eurosport.

Driving an Autotek Motorsport M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000, the Qatari survived a trip through a field and a spin within sight of the flying finish to go 6.1s faster than Andreas Mikkelsen who continues to lead the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier albeit by a reduced margin of 26.8s.

“Okay I was trying, taking some corners flat out and using all the line,” said Al-Attiyah, who won the Cyprus Rally in 2010.

Jan Kopecký, the IRC title leader, was third fastest through the stage. He said: “It was very tricky and very easy to make a puncture. I just tried to stay on the road.”

Patrik Sandell reported running wide on a few corners nearing the end of the stage in his ŠKODA Sweden entry as his worn tyres began to lose grip. He maintains fourth position overall after setting the fifth fastest time.

Freddy Loix spun five kilometres from the finish of the stage and stalled the engine of his BFO-ŠKODA Rally Team Fabia. He is 13.1s behind Sandell in the overall standings heading to midday service in Pafos.

Leading Cypriot driver Nicos Thomas said he adopted a cautious approach in his Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer, while IRC Production Cup rival Toshi Arai said his decision to fit worn gravel tyres to the front of his Subaru Impreza R4 STI meant he lacked confidence due to handling imbalance.

Karl Kruuda lost precious seconds overshooting a junction in his privateer Fabia, while ŠKODA Auto Deutschland’s Matthias Kahle said his Fabia S2000 lacked traction in the gravel sections of the stage.

Stage nine, Gialia 2, goes live at 14:29hrs local time.

Overall positions after SS8

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 1h46m13.3s
2 Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +26.8s
3 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +48.2s
4 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m28.6s
5 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m41.7s
6 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +3m52.2s
7 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +5m44.3s
8 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +6m44.5s
9 Nicos Thomas/Angelos Loizides (Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX) +7m41.4s
10 Charalambos Timotheou/Pambos Laos (Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX) +10m02.2s

Click: ircseries.com/News=3281 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3281)

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BREAKING NEWS: Al-Attiyah hits trouble
Nasser Al-Attiyah’s bid to win the Cyprus Rally, the deciding round of the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge, for a second year in a row could be over after his M-Sport Ford Fiesta was struck down by an engine problem.

Al-Attiyah had posted the fastest time on stage eight, televised live on Eurosport, but returned to the regroup in Pafos with his car’s engine misfiring.

“On the road section here we have a small noise from the engine, like on three cylinders. Something is wrong with the engine and maybe we cannot continue," said the Qatari ace. "We have time still to work on the car but the third piston has something wrong. If we cannot fix it we must stop because we don’t want to do big damage to the engine. That would be very disappointing.”

:(

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Cyprus Rally victory bid over for Al-Attiyah

Nasser Al-Attiyah has confirmed his retirement from the Cyprus Rally due to engine failure.

The Qatari was in contention for victory on the demanding Intercontinental Rally Challenge event but has been unable to leave midday service in Pafos.

“There is damage in the engine, in the valve,” said Al-Attiyah. “We have three times this year the same problem. We have no spare engine so we are out and out for the Golden Stage Rally too. It’s a big disappointment.”

Al-Attiyah had enjoyed a strong second morning in the M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 he shares with Giovanni Bernacchini, setting the fastest time on the mixed-surface Anadiou stage, which was shown live on Eurosport.

“It was fantastic before and I was really so happy with my performance,” said last year’s Cyprus Rally winner. “It was nice to push here against all these drivers with the live television. Without my spin on the last stage, when we lost 15s, it could have been even better but okay, it’s game over. We see for next year.”

Al-Attiyah’s exit hands Andreas Mikkelsen a lead of 48.2s with three stages remaining. IRC title rival and fellow ŠKODA Fabia driver Jan Kopecký. Whoever wins out of the two drivers will win the coveted IRC title.

“Andreas did a good job this year and showed he is a really fast driver. It’s good for him if he wins this race,” Al-Attiyah added.

Click: ircseries.com/news=3283 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readnews.asp?id=3283)

.

[Francisco]

Cyprus Rally Post-Event Press Conference (Nov 5)

The Cyprus Rally winning crew and Intercontinental Rally Challenge champions Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene, runner-up Jan Kopecký, third-placed Patrik Sandell, IRC Production Cup champion Toshi Arai and IRC 2WD Cup champion Jean-Michel Raoux attended the post-event press conference in Pafos this evening.

A full transcript follows below.

http://www.ircseries.com//html/gallery/img/gallery/foto/pre_conference_16.JPG

Question to Andreas Mikkelsen
Congratulations to all of you on what has been a tough and unpredictable 2 days of rallying. Andreas, if we can start with you. The 2011 IRC champion... And the youngest ever driver to take the IRC title. How does it feel?

AM: “It’s hard to describe with words. It’s been a long weekend. After Juho went off everything was possible. We had a fight with Thierry but when he had his problems things were a little bit easier for us. Then it was Nasser and Jan. In one way we got it go a little bit easy when the others had their problems, but especially on the last three stages I must say when we got the puncture I must say for sure Jan is going to take the title but then he also had a puncture. And the last two stages I heard so much noise, which I’d never heard before in the car. I was thinking of all the problems that we can have. It was two long stages and crossing that finish line on the last two stages was something special. I was crying like but when you have worked so hard for something for five years now after I quit my alpine skiing to try and be really good in rallying and to be on top here in the IRC. It was a very special moment for the whole team. We’ve been working really hard this year so I’m very happy it happened here.”

Question to Andreas Mikkeslen
It has been a tough rally. Juho had problems yesterday. Thierry went out… Nasser went out… did that boost your confidence?

AM: “When we had a little gap it’s always hard to keep the concentration level at 100 per cent. But we managed to do that in a good way. As I said crossing the finish line it was after three of the longest stages of my life. It was special.”

Question to Andreas Mikkelsen
You effectively dominated this event from the start. What would you say is the key to success in Cyprus?

AM: “Well it’s definitely possible to go faster than we have done but at the risk of breaking the car. We found a good balance between going fast and saving the car at the same time. That is the key to success here in Cyprus.”

Question to Andreas Mikkelsen
How did the mixed surface nature of the event affect your drive?

AM: “It was actually very, very fun. I really enjoyed it. To have Tarmac and gravel on the same stage and doing Tarmac on gravel tyres was fun. You can slide a little bit so I really enjoyed it.”

Question to Andreas Mikkelsen
What’s next for you and your career?

AM: “I don’t know, apart from a big dinner. Of course there will be some more IRC events next year but I don’t really know more than that.”

Question to Ola Fløene
Turning now to Ola, you must be over the moon. How are you feeling right now?

OF: “Me?! I’m okay. More or less the same as Andreas said. Passing the last flying finish was special although I didn’t realise what was going on. I had my timecard in my hand and I was so scared to do any mistake. Then on the podium when the Norwegian national anthem was playing I turned to Andreas and said ‘now I can feel it’. But still I haven’t realised what has happened. I need to get a little more time.”

Question to Ola Fløene
You were first on the road this morning. How did that impact your drive?

OF: “It was okay. I was a little bit worried that the gravel would be a little bit loose but Nasser was going behind us so it would be quite equal. We sent a lot of friends into the forest to take some splits into the car. They tried to send some SMS but they couldn’t because the telephone connection was not good up there. But we had a small idea what was going on. Especially after the regroup when we were starting at number 10 and Nasser was in front of us that was a very big help to us.”

Question to Jan Kopecký
Turning to Jan. Second place in what has been a tough rally. Obviously you must be disappointed not to have won the title, but are you otherwise satisfied with your performance here?

JK: “I have to say this rally was nice first time for us. It was quite tricky for us because in our country we don’t have gravel roads and only three gravel rallies this year so it’s not so much. To compete against these boys who grew up on gravel it’s always very difficult. Okay we tried to do our best, we made no mistake and only one puncture because a big rock was lying in the line. Okay, we are disappointed but I have to say during the whole year we did a great job so thanks a lot to ŠKODA. We didn’t score enough points so finally we are second and that’s it.”

Question to Jan Kopecký
The event got underway with a Super Special Stage that fans and competitors seemed to enjoy. How important do you think it is to have ‘showcase’ events like this in modern rallying?

JK: “I have to say it’s very nice because if you see so many spectators it’s really nice. We have the same on Barum Rally where there was even more spectators. It’s really great fun.”

Question to Jan Kopecký
How did you find the mixed surface aspects of the event?

JK: “It’s nice because you need to think how to drive because the rhythm is changing and the grip is changing all the time. There are a few places when you need to be more careful not to destroy the tyres completely. It’s nice.”

Question to Patrik Sandell
Patrik, the final place on the podium… how hard has it been to get there this week?

PS: “It’s been a really tough season for us so ending up on the podium at the end I’m really happy with that. It was a great feeling for me to cross the finish line. But I was more hoping when I was there that Andreas would get there as well. I was really happy for him.”

Question to Patrik Sandell
Skoda has proven the dominant car on this event. Why do you think this is?

PS: “They have good cars, strong cars and especially here in Cyprus you need to have a strong car. Also you need to avoid some big rocks but overall it’s a good car.”

Question to Toshi Arai
Toshi, you have become the first driver to win the IRC Production Cup title. How does it feel?

TA: “I’m very pleased because we have new R4 category car and also a new tyre. In the first season the tyre is getting better and better and I am very pleased.”

Question to Toshi Arai
You have spent much of the season developing your R4 Subaru Impreza. How satisfied are you with the progress you have made?

TA: “There is still more development to come. There is still quite a big gap compared to the S2000 car but I have to find a good solution.”

Question to Toshi Arai
You've got lots of experience of international rallying - how does the level of competition in the IRC compare?

TA: “The IRC is good competition. Everybody is so fast, you have a good fight with the good young drivers. It’s very good for the future.”

Question to Jean-Michel Raoux
Jean-Michel, what a close finish between you and Stefano Albertini, winning the title by one point. What does this mean to you?

JMR: “For me it’s incredible. In Scotland the dream dropped off and we think it’s not possible to win with Albertini. In Sanremo he knows very well the road too and it was very difficult for me for the first time. When we came here in Cyprus we wanted absolutely to win. On the Super Special Stage in the town we took first place and we keep it for the whole rally. It was very nice for us.”

Question to Jean-Michel Raoux
After two difficult rallies in Sanremo and Scotland, how confident were you that you could win the title?

JMR: “In Sanremo it was not possible to win. In Scotland we wanted to take a lot of points and I drive very safely but we did not get the reward.”

Question to Jean-Michel Raoux
It's been a tough rally for the four-wheel-drive cars. How hard was it for the two-wheel-drive cars?

JMR: “The two-wheel-drive car is very particular on this type of gravel in Cyprus. It was very, very hard for the car. With a little car the stones and everything is very difficult to find a way.”

Question to Jean-Michel Raoux
What's the plan for next year - will you come back to defend your title?

JMR: “We don’t know for next year but I hope to be in IRC and why not with a more big car.”

Question to Andreas Mikkelsen
Turning back to Andreas, tomorrow is another day and another rally… the Golden Stage. You won last year’s inaugural event... You won here today… You must be feeling confident?

AM: “I’m not sure if we’re doing it tomorrow to be honest. This year the whole team has been working really hard, especially the mechanics. For them now to try to get the car ready for tomorrow and work six hours is too much to ask. I think now we should enjoy our win, have a good dinner and basically celebrate our victory and not take part tomorrow. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Question to Jan Kopecký
What are your thoughts about tomorrow’s Golden Stage?

JK: “It’s a very nice stage, there are some tricky parts but it’s one of the best stages.”

Question to Patrik Sandell
Patrik, any idea what you’ll spend the prize money on?

PS: “I will put the money on Patrik Sandell.”

END

[Weasel 555]

SS9: Drama continues in Cyprus

Toshi Arai has moved a step closer to winning the IRC Production Cup section of the Cyprus Rally after Nicos Thomas, his closest rival, stopped during the repeat of the 14.82-kilometre Gialia stage. But there was more drama when IRC title contenders Andreas Mikkelsen and Jan Kopecký both suffered punctures during the test.

Arai started the stage with a lead of almost one minute over Thomas but is now comfortably clear in the showroom category with two stages remaining at the wheel of his Subaru Impreza R4.

“The road is not so rough, generally not so bad,” said Arai. “My boss says I have to stay in this position and that is my plan.”

In the battle for first place – and the IRC title – Kopecký suffered a major blow after he picked up a front-right puncture nine kilometres from the end of the run. “I cut a little bit the corner and hit the side of the tyre,” said the ŠKODA Motorsport driver.

Mikkelsen continues to lead despite picking up a right-rear puncture on his ŠKODA UK-backed Fabia approximately 10 kilometres into the test.

“I was just trying to do everything I could not to loose too much time,” said Mikkelsen. “I was like an idiot driving on three wheels.”

Following Nasser Al-Attiyah’s retirement at midday service, Patrik Sandell has moved into the final podium spot in his ŠKODA Sweden-backed Fabia.

Outgoing IRC champion Juho Hänninen was fastest through the stage in his factory Fabia.

Overall positions after SS9

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 1h59m14.2s
2 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m21.1s
3 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m25.6s
4 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m36.7s
5 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +3m59.2s
6 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +6m14.1s
7 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +7m00.7s
8 Mark Wallenwein/Stefan Kopczyk (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +12m03.3s
9 Jean-Michel Raoux/Laurent Magat (Renault Clio R3)* +12m12.6s
10 Doros Loucaides/Savvas Laos (Peugeot 207 S2000) +1m26.2s

*Not eligible for overall IRC drivers’ points

Click: ircseries.com/News=3284 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3284)

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SS10: Cyprus stage win for Sandell

ŠKODA Sweden’s Patrik Sandell has claimed his first stage victory on the Cyprus Rally, triumphing on the penultimate test of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier by 0.2s ahead of event leader Andreas Mikkelsen.

Mikkelsen now leads IRC title rival Jan Kopecký by 1m27.3s with one stage of the mixed-surface event remaining.

Freddy Loix was more than 30s off the pace in his BFO-backed Fabia, possibly due to a problem with his car.

The final Anadiou test will be shown live on Eurosport, LTV and RTBF and gets underway at 16:10hrs local time.

Overall positions after SS10

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 2h10m55.0s
2 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m27.3s
3 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m25.4s
4 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +3m08.4s
5 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +4m01.9s
6 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +6m35.2s
7 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +7m25.6s
8 Mark Wallenwein/Stefan Kopczyk (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +12m19.0s
9 Jean-Michel Raoux/Laurent Magat (Renault Clio R3)* +13m05.6s
10 Doros Loucaides/Savvas Laos (Peugeot 207 S2000) +13m09.3s

Click: ircseries.com/News=3285 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3285)

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BREAKING NEWS: Mikkelsen IRC champion

Andreas Mikkelsen has become the youngest driver to win the Intercontinental Rally Challenge title after winning a drama-filled Cyprus Rally in his ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia Super 2000.

Mikkelsen, who is 22 years and 136 days old, had to win the mixed-surface rally to claim the title in what started as a five-way battle for the crown. Subject to final confirmation Mikkelsen becomes IRC champion for 2011 by one and a half points over Jan Kopecký.

Despite a scare when he suffered a right-rear puncture on stage nine, Mikkelsen avoided further drama to clinch the title alongside co-driver and fellow Norwegian Ola Fløene.

Click: ircseries.com/News=3286 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3286)

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SS11: Mikkelsen wins stage and rally :D

Andreas Mikkelsen made sure of Cyprus Rally victory and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge title by winning the final stage of the mixed-surface event, which was shown live on Eurosport.

Driving a ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia Super 2000 Mikkelsen completed the 19.15-kilometre stage 4.1s faster than outgoing IRC champion Juho Hänninen.

A suspected misfire dropped Freddy Loix to fifth behind Karl Kruuda.

Toshi Arai and Jean-Michel Raoux captured the IRC Production Cup and IRC 2WD Cup respectively. :D

Overall positions after SS11

1 Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) 2h25m18.5s
2 Jan Kopecký/Pavel Dresler (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +1m40.5s
3 Patrik Sandell/Staffan Parmander (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +2m54.8s
4 Karl Kruuda/Martin Järveoja (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +4m33.0s
5 Freddy Loix/Frédéric Miclotte (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +5m25.4s
6 Matthias Kahle/Peter Göbel (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +7m48.9s
7 Toshi Arai/Dale Moscatt (Subaru Impreza R4 STI) +8m16.2s
8 Mark Wallenwein/Stefan Kopczyk (ŠKODA Fabia S2000) +13m06.7s
9 Jean-Michel Raoux/Laurent Magat (Renault Clio R3)* +14m36.4s
10 Doros Loucaides/Savvas Laos (Peugeot 207 S2000) +15m07.8s

Click: ircseries.com/News=3287 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3287)


.:cool:

[Weasel 555]

Day two review: IRC title joy for Mikkelsen

Andreas Mikkelsen has become the youngest driver to win the Intercontinental Rally Challenge after claiming victory on the season-closing Cyprus Rally. Amid emotional scenes captured live on Eurosport, Mikkeslen secured the title by one and a half points from Jan Kopecky, sealing glory by going fastest on the final stage alongside co-driver Ola Fløene.

Japan’s Toshi Arai won the inaugural IRC Production Cup in his R4-specification Subaru Impreza STI with Jean-Michel Raoux, from France, clinching the IRC 2WD Cup by a single point ahead of Italian Stefano Albertini.

Mikkelsen, driving a ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia Super 2000 led for all but one stage of the mixed-surface event based in Pafos in the south-west of the Mediterranean island. One of five drivers in contention for the coveted IRC title at the start of the rally, Mikkelsen had to win the event in order to become champion.

Apart from a spin on Friday and a puncture on Saturday morning, little troubled the Norwegian who becomes the fifth different IRC champion in as many years. Mikkelsen, who switched to rallying as a 17-year-old when injury curtailed his promising skiing career, was almost forced to stop competing when he ran out of funding prior to the 2009 season.

He hit back by securing a drive with ŠKODA’s UK importer for the 2011 season after impressing in the IRC in 2010 in a privateer M-Sport Ford Fiesta. Despite a troubled start on Rallye Monte-Carlo, when he crashed on the opening stage, he slowly improved his form and came close to winning several rallies before taking his maiden win on the penultimate round in Scotland last month to set up a title challenge in Cyprus. As well as winning two rounds outright, Mikkelsen scored more stage wins than any other driver with a total of 38 fastest times during the year.

Nasser Al-Attiyah, last season’s Cyprus Rally winner, had started the final day with an outside chance of victory and went fastest of all on Saturday’s third stage. However, an engine failure meant he was unable to continue after midday service, handing second place to factory ŠKODA driver Kopecký, who has been runner-up in the IRC standings for the last three seasons.

“There was damage in the engine, which is a big disappointment,” said Al-Attiyah. “It was fantastic before and I was really so happy with my performance against all these great IRC drivers and live on Eurosport. But what can we do?”

Patrik Sandell took third with his best finish of the season for ŠKODA Sweden claiming a stage victory to boot. Estonian teenager Karl Kruuda, in a privateer Fabia, impressed in fourth, snatching the position from Freddy Loix when the Belgian’s BFO-backed Fabia developed a mechanical fault on the penultimate stage.

Matthias Kahle completed an all-Fabia top six in his ŠKODA Auto Deutschland Fabia after a solid display on his first visit to Cyprus. And it got better for the German importer when Kahle’s team-mate Mark Wallenwein battled back from his double puncture on Friday to finish eighth, one place behind IRC Production Cup winner Toshi Arai.

With IRC 2WD Cup champion Jean-Michel Raoux not eligible for overall IRC drivers’ points in ninth, ex-circuit racer Doros Loucaides clinched the four points on offer for the place in his Petrolina-backed Peugeot 207 S2000, which he was using in competition for the first time on the back of a 50-kilometre pre-event test.

Charalambos Timotheau claimed the final points in his Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX after mechanical problems halted fellow Cypriot Nicos Thomas on the final afternoon.

Outgoing IRC champion Juho Hänninen restarted on day two under SupeRally regulations following his crash on Friday’s opening run. Despite winning a stage he had to settle for 16th overall, one place ahead of leading female driver Burcu Çetinkaya.

Mikkelsen’s performance earned him the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy, awarded on each round of the IRC to the driver whose performance best embodies the spirit of the rallying legend who won the Cyprus Rally 10 years ago in 2001.

Read More: ircseries.com/News=3288 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3288)

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McRae IRC award goes to champ Mikkelsen

Andreas Mikkelsen marked the 10th anniversary of Colin McRae’s victory on the Cyprus Rally by winning the prestigious award presented in his memory on each round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy.

Mikkelsen’s first-place finish on the mixed-surface event and capture of the IRC title made him the unanimous choice as the winner by the judging panel consisting of Jean-Pierre Nicolas, the IRC’s Motorsport Development Manager, Gilbert Roy, the Director of Editorial and Programme Development for Eurosport Events, and Jimmy McRae, Colin’s father.

After receiving the award for the second time this season, the 22-year-old ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver said: “Colin is a big profile in rallying, he’s probably the biggest, and he’s a really big hero of mine. To get this trophy 10 years later from his victory here is very special for me. I really think the performance we have done this weekend has been very good so to be presented with this award is just the best feeling I could have.”

Nicolas, who presented the award to Mikkelsen, said: “On this rally it was not difficult to understand who would win this trophy. It was such a beautiful performance. Even on the last stage he did the best time, just like Colin would have done.”

Click: ircseries.com/News=3290 (http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3290)

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Cyprus Gallery: ircseries.com/Cyprus Rally Gallery (http://www.ircseries.com/html/Gallery_Details.asp?nome=Cyprus%20Rally%202011&id=42)


. :cool:

[Francisco]

IRC Cyprus Post-Event Press Conference: CLICK HERE (http://www.worldrallysport.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7359#post7359)

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