Athanassoulas to get more ERC action in Cyprus

Athanassoulas has scored two podium finishes on his home event - the SEAJETS Acropolis Rally - in the past year, coming third on the 2015 edition and taking an emotional second in this year's event.

He will now make his first ever start on the CNP ASFALISTIKI Cyprus Rally after an invitation from the Cyprus Automobile Association. Competing under the Team Greece banner, he will drive a Ford Fiesta R5 run by Motorsport Italia rather than the ŠKODA Fabia R5 model he has used in the past, while Christos Kouzionis will be his co-driver.

"We are very happy that for the first time we will participate in the Cyprus Rally, thanks to the invitation and support of the CAA. We thank them very much for the trust, and particularly the president of the Association, Mr Antonis Michaelides," he said.

"I believe that the change of car and co-driver will not affect us. For one, the R5 cars are pretty close, while with Christos we have often been together in certain recces. I look forward to going to the island of Aphrodite next week and hope for a good result!"