Rally Cyprus 2007

[N]

Anyone going to the rally this weekend, I am. Still waiting to find out where the stages are :)

[Livewireshock]

It seemed quite the event for all the wrong reasons. Hostage takings in the first stage & a tree newly felled across the second stage 17km in.

The Cyprus Motorsport Federation, upset over licensing & eligibility issues, they decided to surround an FIA Observer, Piero Sodano, with their own vehicles. Effectively taking him hostage & creating a sit in upon the first stage. After police intervention, the stage was cleared but was downgraded to a transport stage due to time lost.

Then to make matters worse, on the following second stage, helmeted motorbike riders cut a tree down 17km into the stage. The second course car came across the fallen tree & competitors had already started. It looked intentional to create injury or worse to a competitor. It is not known if it is connected with the first incident or not.

All hopes for the Cyprus Rally to regain it's WRC status in 2008 look to be over. Rally Poland would look to be the likely favourite after South Africa's withdrawal & now this shocking news in Cyprus.

[N]

Yes, it's a shame this happened, but apart from these incidents, the rally was good and it was well run. It's sad that local Cypriots are sabotaging the event because of local politics.

I must say that the rest of the event was enjoyable to watch and I loved it but until the issue between CAA and CMO gets resolved, I don't see it entering the WRC.

Here are some short video clips from the rally and I'll upload my photos soon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zotICbJRis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vi9RWOZQzk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj0CQTZbDsI

[Whinlatter]

That's a real shame - I was hoping it would be a success and might get a WRC slot for next year so I could come over and watch again.....