Press releases

MINSK, 8 January (BelTA) – Aleksei Vishnevsky’s crew of Belarus’ MAZ-SPORTavto team came in sixth at Stage 2 of the 2018 Dakar Rally in the truck category, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian driver completed the 267-kilometer loop near Pisco, Peru 26 minutes back from the stage winner Eduard Nikolaev (Russia) who clocked 3:24:23. The race appeared to be pretty tough for the trucks which started after the bikes, cars, and quads. The sandy dunes of Peru required utmost concentration and attention from the racers. This did not prevent the second MAZ crew led by Sergei Vyazovich to come in seventh, losing just one minute and a half to Aleksei Vishnevsky.

Another MAZ-SPORTavto crew led by Aleksander Vasilevsky had some technical difficulties. One of the turbines made by Russia’s Tutaev Motor Plant (TMZ trademark) broke down during the race. The Belarusians decided to continue the race as the V engine has two turbines. Other Belarusian trucks fitted with more advanced components did not have any troubles.

The 296-km third stage will start at San Juan de Marcona, Peru to feature nothing but sand and dunes.

The 2018 Dakar edition is the seventh for the Belarusian team. The owner of MAZ-SPORTavto is Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ trademark), the technical partner is velcom. The 2018 Dakar Rally is running through Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina to wrap up in Cordoba, Argentina on 20 January. The race features 3,500 kilometers of high-speed sections, with most of the route running in the highlands.