Press releases

1 Apr 2019

MAZ-SPORTavto Team to take part in Morocco Desert Challenge

Photo courtesy of MAZ-SPORTavto

MINSK, 1 April (BelTA) - MAZ-SPORTavto Team will take part in the Morocco Desert Challenge rally raid on 12-20 April. MAZ-SPORTavto Team will field two crews and will bring a new hooded truck which was unveiled at the end of last year, BelTA learned from the press service of Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ trademark).

The Moroccan track is as difficult as the world-famous Dakar. A large part of the route will run through the desert and sandy areas. Racers must overcome 2,741km in special stages divided into eight legs. Among the obstacles are dunes, soft sands and dry riverbeds.

“They say that Dakar could return to Africa. If this happens, we should get more knowledge about the terrain and the climate. Participation in Morocco Desert Challenge will let us gain new experience and try out the sport trucks on the hot continent,” MAZ-SPORTavto Team leader and pilot Sergei Vyazovich said.

The hooded truck will be piloted by Sergei Vyazovich. His crew will include navigator Anton Zaporoshchenko and mechanic Sergei Sachuk. The second crew will be led by Aleksei Vishnevsky, together with navigator Pavel Garanin.

“After tests in Astrakhan we have boosted the reliability of some parts of the hooded MAZ truck. However, it will get its first racing experience in Morocco. After the race we will understand whether the truck is ready for serious rally raids or whether it requires further development,” Sergei Vyazovich said. He added that if the truck shows its worth it will make its debut at Dakar 2020.

The trucks will leave Minsk on 2 April. They will be delivered to a French seaport and then to the Moroccan Agadir where the race starts.

The rally will feature renowned teams: Renault, Iveco, MAN, Scania and Ginaf. All in all, 35 crews will be compete in the trucks category.