< Previouswe had a failure due to a big stone, but this year everything was good. The fi rst half was really fast for us and we got a good gap with our time. On the second part, it was just a case of reaching the fi nish every day. I think this tactic was the best for us. I am happy that Kamaz- master took all three prize positions at this Dakar. This success was not only the result of our eff orts on the track but also the dedicated work of our assistance team. Each special stage was a real challenge, and our Kamaz vehicles never failed us. Thanks to all those who helped, believed and supported our crew,” said Dmitry, who along with this team celebrated the fi rst championship in their careers. Anton Shibalov, pilot of crew 501, which fi nished in the second position for the second year in a row, said: “As any sportsman, we want to win, but I am happy that Dmitry won the fi rst place and Airat Mardeev, the third place. Two weeks of the rally turned out very tough. But all of us did a great job and in the end arrived at the excellent result.” Vladimir Chagin, head of the Kamaz- master team and seven-time Dakar champion and record holder in the truck category, commented: “Two weeks of the toughest rivalry on the routes of Saudi Arabia fi nished This year’s winning team (crew 507) comprising the pilot Dmitry Sotnikov, co-driver Ruslan Akhmadeev and mechanic Ilgiz Akhmetzianov completed the race in 48h 23’ 21”. 40 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKSwith the victory of the Kamaz-master team and three crews of the Kamaz-master team on the podium. I am happy that this year all four trucks reached the fi nish line. I congratulate the winners and their crews. But this victory wouldn’t have been possible without concerted eff orts of the whole staff of Kamaz-master. We are grateful to our partners and fans for their cooperation and support in such a diffi cult time.” This year too, Kamaz-master opted for Goodyear tyres. As a general rule, participating trucks need to drive on standard tyres that are available to any consumer and fl eet. In the 2020 rally, the Kamaz-master teams were pleased with the performance and endurance of the Goodyear Off road ORD range of tyres which enabled them in winning the fi rst and second podium places. Maciej Szymanski, marketing director, Goodyear Commercial – Europe, said: “Warmest congratulations to the entire Kamaz- master team. Obtaining gold, silver and bronze in the Dakar truck segment is an astonishing achievement and showcasing the outstanding race expertise of the team and technical mastery of these trucks and their equipment. Without any doubt, the performance of our tyres was tested to the maximum being the only touchpoint to this year’s entirely new route. Their robust durability, cut resistance and enhanced traction are key to the immaculate performance of the team, in the same way as we support today’s demanding transport operations of our customers.” Vladimir Chagin added: “Even in these extreme motorsport marathons, every second counts during the stages. Besides our advanced in-house developed truck technology, there is one vital part to keep the crews going, robust tyres. Speed is of the essence; however, uptime is even more important in order to stay ahead of the competition. With Goodyear as our Kamaz-master teams in action. Kamaz-master opted for the Goodyear Off road ORD range of tyres. 41 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKStrusted tyre partner, our teams count on the extraordinary durability and excellent traction of the standard Goodyear Off road ORD tyres to support them in getting victoriously to the next fi nish line, no matter how unexpected the circumstances or how big the challenge.” Finishing in the fourth place, Martin Macik, the pilot of the Big Shock Racing team (crew 503) matched the achievement of his father, the team boss, Martin Macik, Sr., who in 2010 won 4th place at the Dakar Rally in South America. “It was one of the toughest Dakar rallies we’ve experienced. We won in three stages, which were among the longest and most technically demanding. That is our strength. At the same time, however, we did not feel especially exhausted at the fi nish. On the contrary, we drove in relative peace, the car worked well and, ironically, we did not go full throttle in the stages that we won. When the track was strenuous, we could handle it. We had some wiggle room and we maintained a solid pace for a long time,” said Martin Macik. “The development of our truck has gone a long way and helped us stay ahead. The automatic gearbox helped a lot. We know about the little things we still need to tweak, like the steering linkage. But thanks to nineteen years of our own development, we have a truck that is currently the fastest, right after the factory- made Kamaz. We have been getting orders from people interested in renting or buying our vehicles,” added Martin. Iveco (Big Shock Racing team), Praga (Instaforex Loprais Praga team) and Maz (Maz-Sportauto team) fi nished in the fourth, fi fth and sixth places, respectively. 42 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKSWith the consequences of COVID-19 still affecting the construction industry amongst many others, Construction Week's Dispute Resolution Question Time will explore how technology is being utilised for late payment resolution, contract claims, arbitration options and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms as we enter a more digitally driven world. Find out more: www.itp.events/DRQT-Dubai WEDNESDAY 17th FEBRUARY, 5PM - 8PM FOR SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES: SARASWATI AGARWAL Commercial Director T: +971 4 444 3352 E: Saraswati.Agarwal@itp.com FOR EVENT ENQUIRIES SHERDIL BABAR Conference Producer T: +971 4 444 3223 E: Sherdil.Babar@itp.com le royal Meridien beach resort & spa dubaiNext >