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World Championship action hots up in Cyprus

Blistering heat, unbroken sunshine and only a brisk breeze to take the edge off the high-80s temperature is what faces the crews as they prepare to start the newest and, arguably, toughest round of this year's FIA World Rally Championship

Peugeot's Marcus Gronholm heads into the Cyprus Rally with a newly acquired lead in the series, but he has Britain's Richard Burns and Colin McRae snapping at his heels. While the Peugeot has improved immeasurably over the past few months, there remains a questionmark over its reliability, especially in the suspension and gearbox department. However, at yesterday's shakedown test the two Peugeot 206WRCs set the unofficial fastest times.

McRae can look back on a crushing win at the Acropolis Rally for inspiration while Burns, although a non-finisher on the past three rounds with a run of misfortune that cost him the lead in the series, knows that his Subaru is usually more than a match for most on gravel.

The fight for the lead is expected to take place between the three top crews but, as few have any experience of this event, it's tough to predict a winner. Of the registered crews only Armin Schwarz has been here before, winning for Toyota in 1996 before joining Skoda. So, could this be Skoda's finest hour?

In a week that saw Spanish manufacturer SEAT announce its withdrawal from rallying, it would also add a bizarre twist should they do well, although a top result would still be too late to save its rally team from the axe that will fall at the end of this season.

Reigning World Champion Tommi Makinen needs to rediscover his lost form if his championship challenge is to be saved. The Mitsubishi team leader has floundered this season, but there is still a slim chance that he can turn it around and mount a late charge.

In short, anything could happen in Cyprus. Engines and crews need to be kept cool, transmissions will work harder than ever on the slow and twisty roads, while tyres will play a crucial part. McRae says that the fastest car and driver may not be the combination that wins. Indeed, the ability to pace oneself, charge when safe and back off when not, will be the way to win. Anyone not mastering those skills will quickly find themselves back at the pool...

The rally starts tomorrow, Friday, and finishes at around 1645 local time (1445 British Summer Time) on Sunday.

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