The team "KAMAZ-master" is sent to the "Dakar-2020" prepared

26.12.2019

In 42-th time "Dakar" will be held in Saudi Arabia

Today on December 26 at the International Multimedia press center MIA "Russia today" held a traditional 15th a press-the conference devoted to participation of the team "KAMAZ-master" team in rally-marathon "Dakar-2020".

In press conference took part: head of the team "KAMAZ-master" Vladimir Chagin (7-fold winner of "Dakar" and many other competitions) and the pilots Eduard Nikolaev (to win five of "Dakar", including previous 2019 in Bolivia), Dmitry Sotnikov (Vice-champion of "Dakar-2019"), Andrey karginov (winner of "Dakar-2014" and several other competitions) and Anton Shibalov (3-time winner of the rally-marathon Africa Race and several other races).

Feature of 42-th "Dakar" in 2020 was a complete change of venue. So, after 10 years of the rally-marathon on routes in South American countries, race organizers have signed 5-year contract with Saudi Arabia (it became the 30th country to host the legendary race).

Rally-marathon "Dakar-2020" will start on January 5 with the red sea coast from Jeddah. On January 11, for the participants scheduled a rest day in the capital of the Kingdom Riyadh, and the finish of the race is scheduled for 17 January in the town of Keddie. The total length of the route will be 7856 kilometres, of which 5097 kilometres will be in a high-speed special stages. With five special stages distance will not exceed 450 kilometres (the longest stage will be the 7th (12.01) – from Riyadh to Wadi al-Dawasir with a 546-kilometer special stage from the total length of the phase of the 750 km).
The team "KAMAZ-master" in the trucks category of the international competition will put 4 of the crew, including two prize of #500 (pilot adored Nikolaev – the reigning champion of "Dakar") and #501 (by Dmitry Sotnikov) and two "fast assistance" #511 (Andrey karginov) and #516 (Anton Shibalov, by the way, the winner of the rally "silk road-2019"), and, the Technicals will also go into race mode and it can claim a podium. Results for "Dakar-2020" stated the 47 crews in the truck class (170 motorcyclists 134 crew in category cars and SSV).

Full crew team "KAMAZ-master" team in rally-marathon "Dakar-2020":
No. 500 – pilot Eduard Nikolaev, Navigator Evgeny Yakovlev and mechanic Vladimir Rybakov
No. 501 – pilot Dmitry Sotnikov, Navigator Ruslan Akhmadeev, mechanic Ilgiz Akhmetzyanov
No. 511 – pilot Andrei karginov, co-driver Andrey Mokeev and mechanic Igor Leonov
No. 516 – pilot Anton Shibalov, Navigator Dmitry Nikitin, the mechanic Ivan Tatarinov.

Loading on the ferry to Jeddo

race Calendar:
5, 6 Dec – the technical validation and loading equipment on the ferry in the port of Marseille;
1,2 Jan – unloading machinery in the port of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia);
2-4 January – administrative and technical checks;
January 4 – ceremonial start, the production of cars in the Parc fermé (Jeddah);
January 5 – first speed stage;
January 11 – rest day in Riyadh.
January 17 – final stage and the ceremonial finish;
January 18 – loading equipment on the ferry in Jeddah.

Vladimir Chagin, head of the team "KAMAZ-master":
on the highway and technology: "the Race will be held in the new region, no one on the team had not been in Saudi Arabia. The race will take part about 350 crews, 47 of them in the trucks category. Ayrat Mardeev will drive a press car, to go along with Erik Khairullin and colleagues. They will accompany the race to be on the point of start and finish. It will be very interesting to hear the opinion of Airat the part – as an expert and professional".

About the venue and wrestling he said, "I am very glad that the geography of the rally-raids. I am happy that our sport is becoming increasingly popular, it's great. Saudi Arabia is certainly a very interesting country in cultural and historical terms. As for sports – new landscapes always make the struggle between the rivals new notes, create interesting scenes and stories on light sport sky new names. We will do everything to race in the Arabian Peninsula was successful for our team and we will try to show a result that will delight our partners and fans."

He also stressed: "the New call from the organizers, new expectations. From our team, no one in Saudi Arabia was not. Everyone is waiting, it is waiting for the start. Half of the special stages of the race road book will be given five minutes before the start. This will greatly complicate the lives of the crews. This new challenge for navigators and pilots. The Navigator will not be prepared: how the pilot will be the first time to see the track and the Navigator – road book.

Remember that in Saudi Arabia the night the temperature can drop to zero degrees, we are preparing for it – for example, all team clothing this time with long sleeves, as required by the customs of the country and weather".

Training camp of the team "KAMAZ-master" 24 Nov 2019

He also added that the team is at the peak of their fitness and ready to compete with rivals, which this year also ready to give battle to the Russian team. On the question of the budget of the team "KAMAZ-master" Chagin said that only the delivery of the machinery and all equipment and team personnel to Saudi Arabia will cost €1.5 million, and the budget team for the entire race is €11 million, which, however, is absolutely incomparable with the cost in other racing, for example, in "Formula-1".

On the issue of "Kapotnya" Chagin said that this racing car the team has (KAMAZ-43509К – ed.) as in the machines of different generations and a few years after his participation in "Dakar" it is possible.
  
Eduard Nikolaev, the driver:
"We know that this year everything is new "Dakar" and technique. The race will take place in a new country, it's all very interesting, their customs, their traditions. We look forward to the start. We know that our rivals are also waiting, seriously all prepared this year, knowing that it is a new country, new landscapes and more we are waiting for the Sands.
There will also be major intrigue associated with navigation. Innovation of the year – road book of the stages will be issued for literally 10-15 minutes before the start. Therefore, the burden on navigators, including psychological, will be enormous."

Slow Technicals in the shop of the "KAMAZ-master"

He also explained about the development of the design of a racing KAMAZ truck-43509 (photo on the splash screen), which was actually re-designed due to changes of the regulation in 2018, limiting the engine displacement of 13 liters, which was forced to apply radnoy "turborestore" DCEC Cummins ISZ-13 (power 980 HP at 2400 min–1).

Edward said, "throughout the year the team was actively engaged in preparing the machines and improving reliability and dynamic performance. Despite our results, we cannot stand still. We worked on the 13-liter engine Cummins, he has shown himself already to the past "Dakar". Motor suits us – God willing, that the engine did not disappoint us this year. The organizers will monitor the opacity. To us it was not, but we still worked on the environmental issue. Also improved the steering. Pilots have less time on maneuvers with the steering wheel – we already felt like it helped. In addition, improved automatic transmission – now it is equipped with all four cars. The dynamics of the car improved. All crews adapted to this transmission. Another job of weight distribution, center of gravity. We moved the fuel tank in the center of the car, allowing the truck to become more stable. The car needs to stay confident on the track".

In addition, improved performance of various systems, increasing the reliability of individual components and of parts and reduced the weight of some components. All changes were tested on the stages of the Championship of Russia rally "Kazakhstan" and "silk road-2019".

On goals for this race he said with a laugh: "the Fifth victory on the Dakar for a year before Vladimir Gennadyevich? It is for us a model, an example to follow. The main thing – not to let him down. Will do everything to repeat the success of previous "Dakar".

Anton Shibalov, pilot:
"All the rivals are very interesting. Main competitors are IVECO, Tatra, Renault, MAZ, Liaz. So, the Tatra puts three cars, but unfortunately, they represent three different teams. Ales Loprais leaves on absolutely new car – will be interesting to watch and see what they did and how the car is competitive.

Renault team also prepared a novelty: one of the trucks will be hybrid installation, allowing you to achieve higher capacity. Interesting car – will see. It's such a step into the future, although some motorcycles now are on electricity.

From Liaz-a new car, which is built on the IVECO. Last year they were pretty good, although the pilot is very young. MAZ – is also our long-standing competitors. Sergei Vyazovich goes on "Kapotnya", which is very well established in the "Silk road". It is interesting to see how the guys progress.

Unfortunately, the team IVECO in this year will not serve our long-standing rival Gerard de Rooy – he will go to race as a team Manager. But IVECO exposes four experienced crew, each in its own way is very strong. I would like to mention albert Llovera from Andorra – a man confined to a wheelchair, but so strong in spirit that physically cope with performances on the Dakar and finish. It's a matter of respect, soul, a little rooting for him. Llovera was previously a skier, but unfortunately fell on one of the competitions and was paralyzed.

At the time when Lover went on "Tatra" he helped our crew to pull the crew of Ayrat Mardeev – alone have not worked. Albert tried your best, even broke the rope between my truck and the car Ayrat. Albert did not notice and continued to drag my truck, although I was hitting the brakes! He was running my mechanic and Navigator, waved, and he saw nothing and continued to draw then on the ground was a track from the wheels of my "KAMAZ". So that Llovera I tried to help to the maximum."

What about goals for this race he said: "We are confident that our children and technology is not worse and even a step ahead of rivals. Our crew will also try to prove themselves. The main goal of team success, but each crew will try to show the good result for yourself."

Dmitry Sotnikov, pilot:
"All the cars in the trucks standings are starting to go very quickly. You need to be prepared both physically and mentally. We spent training camp with the Olympic Committee of Russia. We see that the "Dakar" will start without a warm-up: the first stage will last for 320 kilometers. So probably the "Dakar" will be to test physical abilities. Will have to work without fuss".

Andrey karginov, pilot:
"We are looking forward to a new country, new region, communication with local residents. It's already the 30th country, which will host the Dakar. The total marathon distance will be 7800 miles – a very long route. The first half of the race will go along the sea – waiting for beautiful pictures. As for the race courses, it is expected to complete a variety of rally-raids: about 70-75% sand dunes, difficult roads. Not necessarily the dunes are very high, but it will definitely be difficult. Also expect dry river beds, rocky sections where you need to be concentrated, to protect the tyres and the car. Will try to do the right thing and bring a good result."

About goals for the race: "our team has a huge experience riding the dunes in the UAE. Experience riding on sand and all the other tracks available. Yes, some care will be present, but we used to deal with these situations, with the unexpected. Who correctly respond to them, and he will bring a good result. Personally, I'd take a rematch – it will be the best response to the decision of the organizers about my disqualification a year ago."

Alexander Erofeev, Deputy head of Department – Vice-President VTB:
"This year we are 15 times accompany the team on the next rally. During the cooperation, our relationship was not a partnership, and friendship. They often come with interesting ideas, and during that time financial support of our Bank never decreased, only increased. We are always willing to respond to their new proposals. I wish you success, health, stamina".

Oleg Afanasiev, head of press-service of JSC "KAMAZ": "For us, the team "KAMAZ-master" is not only a sports team, is a powerful marketing tool that helps us to promote the technique to the countries of presence and in General abroad. Where stands the team "KAMAZ-master" in these countries, sales have increased several times."

PS of media: "if Vladimir Chagin a "glass of lemonade" on your Golden anniversary, which falls just on the "Dakar" – after a pause, the captain replied briefly: "will Not work". Later he explained more: "I was lucky for many, many years to celebrate your birthday at the "Dakar" surrounded by friends and colleagues. But always the ceremony takes only a few minutes. As a rule, everything happens at the end of the evening the business meeting. Nice to hear guys, but almost immediately I said, "Everyone, stop, we have a lot of work." As you know, Saudi Arabia is a dry country, so take what is children's champagne!"..