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.

“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.