Mikkelsen back in action on IRC finale

Andreas Mikkelsen will return to the stages on the FxPro Cyprus Rally today – but only as one of the course-opening official cars.

Mikkelsen, from Norway, was one of the favourites to win the Intercontinental Rally Challenge event in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000.

However, an engine failure heading to Friday’s first stage forced his retirement.

Although an engine change, which was completed yesterday, has restored his car to full working order it means he is not eligible to restart under SupeRally regulations.

But in order to gain some kilometres behind the wheel and to carry out a systems’ check in preparation for Sunday’s inaugural Love Cyprus Golden Stage Rally, Mikkelsen has been given permission by the organisers to drive through the stages ahead of the main field.

“It will give the spectators a chance to see Andreas driving through the stages, something they obviously weren’t able to do yesterday,” said a team spokesperson.

The engine failure was caused by an internal fault but no other components needed changing by the British M-Sport squad, a team official confirmed.