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.

“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.