Former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin who will compete in the 2022 Silk Way Rally Marathon as part of the SNAG Racing team, shared his expectations of the race, noting that he did not feel pressured in a new motorsport discipline.
– I am taking the tests for the first time. They weren’t in Formula 1 and other series. Very pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it is. We are at the opera, atmosphere absolutely out of the race. Glad to be here, getting ready for tomorrow’s departure.
I haven’t had time to feel the atmosphere of the bivouac yet. We had tests yesterday, everyone was busy with their own stuff. I took a little walk, I looked at what the cars of the other crews looked like. I could not discuss. The race is not three days, not two hours, but 10 days, so I’m sure due to moving from town to town, we’ll have time to talk,” Mazepin told .
– There are nearly 4.5 thousand km of road to travel. Do you understand what awaits you?
– No, for the first time in my life I am participating in such a race that lasts a very long time. I came with the intention of playing for fun, I have no pressure, as I am in new territory for myself. Here, in most cases, it’s a field, dust, so I enjoy it. It’s nice to spend the summer at home and do something active, I missed it.
– First impressions of the new car?
– Always mixed. I really like the way the engine works, but you always have to get used to a new car.
In Formula 1, Mazepin played for the Haas team in the 2021 season. In the spring of 2022, the team terminated the contract with the Russian, signing Danish driver Kevin Magnussen in his place.
Silk Road 2022 will be held from July 6 to 16 with a start in Astrakhan and a finish in Moscow. The total length will be 4380 kilometers, of which 2800 kilometers will be special stages.
Source : MatchTV
