The 2006 event was based in Lemesos in Cyprus and was contested over twenty one special stages, covering a total competitive distance of 337.79km (209.89 miles).

Fifteen were entered under World Rally Car regulations, as were ten in the Production WRC category.

Gronholm struggled with dust in the car and overheating issues, but would still set the quickest opening three stage times of the day, putting him in the lead.

[8] Saturday morning would see Gronholm and Loeb trading stage wins, with under 10 seconds between them for the entirety of the stint.

Atkinson would retire in a ditch in stage 15, while Henning Solberg struggled all day with a hot water leak spraying on he and his co-driver's face.

Loeb would continue through the final stage to win the rally, his last victory of the season, with Gronholm finishing second.