Dakar 2014 Is All Over, Dakar 2015 Is To Start

This year's battles in the Dakar Rally 2014 finished in the early evening yesterday. It was a hard year, if not the hardest in its history, surely all vehicles were moving at speed; on one hand, the standings were narrow (battles for winning in all categories), on the other hand with large few-hour margins (first tens' standings). From the perspective of the TATRA Buggyra Racing Team, it was a year of broadening pieces of experience, and as it has followed on from there is only one way to notch up success unless being in extraordinary luck, which is to have reliable and tested technical equipment, and the top base. Added by experience gained in other motorsports events, and a good-quality team, these all give chance for success in the new year of the Dakar. However, this chance must not be missed but jumped at instantly!

Yesterday's transfer from La Serena to Valpraiso was a peaceful one. In the last Bivouac, it was just waiting for results in single categories, packing and making the technical equipment ready for transfer to the port. There was enough time to sort up a huge amount of personal experience, knowledge and impression, naturally, with the aim of preparing for next Dakar as best and responsibly as possible.

Optimistic is awareness of that the crew Martin Kolomý, René and David Kilians are very good, and capable of heading the field. They do not lack erudition and determination, nor they do experience. Also the ground of the Tatra 815 Buggyra truck's construct is capable of competition, but as it has turned out it is not possible to enter a race with technical equipment completed under stress as to time, and without enough testing. Unluckily, there was no other option but take risks. Clearly said at the beginning was that there is a chance for success having a piece of luck, nevertheless, it seemed more realistic to gain experience.

What proves the realistic attitude, undoubtedly, is that responsible decision about withdrawing from the competition just over its half. First, it was clear what was causing all recurring problems with the front axle (but need data were collected), second, taking potentional risks by going on having those ongoing problems could have been dangerous for all of the crew.

When I was invited to the Dakar a few months ago, I had no idea about how huge this event was, and just sensed it through the media likewise millions of spectators worldwide. Having my own experience now, I must say: I'm highly excited, I've never had idea about how many people are involved in the event, I am bowing to the pilots, mechanics and accompanying staff's performance, it is a huge challenge, and I understand now the line: "You will either never come again to the Dakar or it will ever be part of your life!"; hardly any tool alike (as to impact) for promoting the Czech Republic exists.

So, we will see; I am looking forward to negotiations in Czechia when we might be able to fully evaluate all gained experience, and I believe it will result in the project aiming to enter the Dakar Rally next year with a clear target to do well in competition.

For more information search for www.buggyra.com,
(from Chile Miroslav Forman).