Russian driver Alexey Lukyanuk has confirmed that he will contest the CNP ASFALISTIKI Cyprus Rally, round eight of the 2015 FIA European Rally Championship, in his Ford Fiesta R5 at the end of the month. Lukyanuk has secured the budget to compete thanks to the continued support of Russian Performance Motorsport, the Czech H-Racing team, Pirelli tyres and the Cyprus Rally organisers.
The Russian driver heads into the event on the back of an impressive run of form and he along with his co-driver Alexey Arnautov will attempt to continue their run on their first appearance in Cyprus.
Victory in Estonia and fourth in the Czech Republic has resulted in Lukyanuk leaping into third place in the championship standings 54 points off leader Kajetan Kajetanowicz. Despite still being mathematically in contention for the ERC title the Fiesta driver says he will be concentrating on consolidating his third place in the series.
“Of course it is great that we can continue in ERC,” said Lukyanuk. “In such a hard economic situation this is a big present for us, as well as a big responsibility. We do need every event. Now we are looking through all the information available, running pace note trainings and watching on-boards from previous years.
“In any case to be in good sports tone and to keep the rally rhythm, you have to compete in the real time with real competitors. Especially as we yet have mathematical chances for a victory in the season. Truly speaking, although I would like to, now the main target is to defend the positions in the top three.”
The Cyprus Rally commences on September 25 and will consist of 16 stages contested over two days.
