Alkass English
Qatar’s Nasser bin Saleh Al Attiyah secured a record-extending 21st Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) title with victory at the 52nd Cyprus Rally, the fifth and final round of the 2026 FIA-sanctioned championship.
Driving a Škoda Fabia RS alongside Spanish co-driver Candido Carrera, Al Attiyah claimed his 10th career Cyprus Rally victory to seal the championship and further cement his status as the most successful driver in MERC history.
Cypriot driver Simos Galatariotis and co-driver Antonios Ioannou finished second, while Oman’s Abdullah Al Rawahi and co-driver Sergiu Itu completed the podium. All three crews competed in Škoda Fabia RS cars.
Al Attiyah described his latest championship triumph and milestone Cyprus victory as a source of immense pride. He said the rally remained challenging until the final metres, but his confidence and the support of Carrera and the team helped him secure the win.
He dedicated the achievement to Qatar, its leadership and people, and rally fans across the country. He also praised the continued support he receives from the State, saying it inspires him to pursue further success and fly Qatar’s flag on the international stage.
Al Attiyah added that the victories reflected the team’s hard work and determination, reaffirming his ambition to build on his achievements and bring further success to Qatari sport.