Nicosia, October 25 (QNA) - Qatari driver Nasser bin Saleh Al Attiyah secured a record- breaking 21st Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) title this evening after winning the 52nd Cyprus Rally, the fifth and final round of the 2026 FIA-sanctioned championship.

Al Attiyah topped the overall drivers' standings after claiming his 10th career victory at the Cyprus Rally. Driving a Škoda Fabia RS with Spanish co-driver Candido Carrera, he finished first in an overall time of 2:11.106.

He finished 4.297 seconds ahead of Cypriot driver Simos Galatariotis and Antonios Ioannou, who placed second in a Škoda Fabia RS with a time of 2:15.403. Oman's Abdullah Al Rawahi and Belgian co-driver Sergiu Itu took third, also in a Škoda Fabia RS, with a time of 2:17.260.

Al Attiyah expressed his delight at securing his 21st Middle East Rally Championship title, extending his record as the most successful driver in the championship's history, while also celebrating his 10th Cyprus Rally victory.

Winning the Middle East Championship for the 21st time and the Cyprus Rally for the 10th time is a source of great pride and honor, Al Attiyah said in a press statement. He noted that the rally had been far from easy, with challenges continuing until the final meters, but said he never lost confidence in his ability to recover and secure victory with the support of his Spanish co-driver, Candido Carrera, and the entire team.

He dedicated the achievement to the State of Qatar, its leadership and people, and to rally fans across the country. He also praised the strong support he receives from the State, saying it continually motivates him to pursue further success and raise Qatar's flag on the international stage. He added that his victories reflect hard work and determination as he seeks further achievements and aims to bring honor to Qatari sport in future competitions. (QNA)