Nicosia, October 26, 2026 : Qatari rally driver Nasser bin Saleh Al Attiyah has secured a record-extending 21st Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) title after winning the 52nd Cyprus Rally, the final round of the 2026 FIA-sanctioned series.
Driving a Škoda Fabia RS alongside Spanish co-driver Candido Carrera, Al Attiyah claimed his 10th career victory at the Cyprus Rally, finishing the event in an overall time of 2:11.106 to top the championship standings.
Cypriot driver Simos Galatariotis and co-driver Antonios Ioannou finished second in another Škoda Fabia RS, 4.297 seconds behind the winners with a time of 2:15.403. Oman’s Abdullah Al Rawahi and Belgian co-driver Sergiu Itu secured third place in 2:17.260.
Al Attiyah expressed pride in winning the regional championship for the 21st time and securing his 10th Cyprus Rally victory, further extending his record as the most successful driver in MERC history.
In a press statement, he said the competition remained challenging until the final metres but praised his confidence, Carrera’s support and the efforts of the entire team in securing the win.
The Qatari driver dedicated the achievement to Qatar, its leadership and people, as well as rally fans across the country. He also expressed appreciation for the support he receives from the State, saying it motivates him to pursue further success and represent Qatar on the international stage.
Al Attiyah added that the achievement reflected the hard work and determination behind his career, as he continues to target further victories and bring recognition to Qatari sport.
Source: QNA
