Wittmann decides against Cyprus restart

Franz Wittmann has decided against restarting on day two of the FxPro Cyprus Rally, the 12th and final round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Wittmann, from Austria, was due to rejoin the mixed-surface event under SupeRally regulations today (Saturday) following his stage-five exit on Friday when a suspension bolt failed.

Although his Interwetten Racing Peugeot 207 has been repaired by his ROMO Motorsporttechnik mechanics, the 27-year-old has elected to save the car for Sunday’s inaugural Love Cyprus Golden Stage Rally.

“It was Franz’s decision not to restart today,” said ROMO boss Ronald Leschhorn. “He will instead concentrate on being ready for the Golden Stage Rally.”

Wittmann had been due to run 10th on the road on Saturday’s six stages.