“Africa is in my heart and forever.” Interview with KAMAZ master pilot Sergei Kupriyanov

— In March, you were appointed deputy chairman of the board of directors – head of the department of PJSC Gazprom. How will this affect your career in motorsport?

— This already has a slight effect, there will be certain restrictions in this regard. Last year I traveled the entire bahu “Kagan’s Gold” in Astrakhan, but now I could only spare Friday and weekends. Back to work after half the race.

— Could participation in the Silk Road in July be threatened?

— It is still difficult to answer your question. Everything will be clear later. But I would really like to participate in this race.

— Mongolia returned to the rally route. Are you happy to have the opportunity to compete outside the country again?

— I’m glad there are new routes where we haven’t been yet. Mongolia will be completely different; the organizers promise sand, which will add interest to all participants.

— What do you remember about Mongolia in 2019?

— Incredible spaces and very fast slopes.

— Is it a pleasure to fly in such conditions?

— Rally raids are not only about driving, but also about contemplation (smiles). And in this regard, the Mongolian stages were ideal.

— There will be no China, which was initially on the 2024 route.

— There are pros and cons here. The downside was that I wanted to go to China and run through the local landscapes, which always challenge runners. The advantages lie in logistics; you can save time on the way back.

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— Sergei Viazovich invited the winners and medalists of the Dakar to come to the Silk Road and prove their worth by beating KAMAZ and MAZ, since the Russians and Belarusians cannot participate in the January race. Is it realistic to see foreigners in our cargo category?

— It’s difficult to say, we’ll see what the composition of the participants will be. But we remember when the truck category of the Silk Way Rally was massive and representative. It’s always good when there is competition on the track between a large number of crews from different countries. It also increases public interest.

— You participated in the Africa Eco Race three times on a KAMAZ, becoming third in the general rally standings. Is it possible that KAMAZ-master will participate in this race due to the absence of the Dakar?

– This is one of the issues that needs to be discussed. Personally, I would love to return to Africa one day.

– Fight for victory?

– It does not matter. Africa sinks into your heart, and it does forever.

– Why does everyone love him so much?

— It was in Africa that marathon rallies as we know them were born. And the Africa Eco Race has its own special atmosphere that we want to relive.

— The KAMAZ-master team had a new leader. Vladimir Chagin handed over the management reins to Eduard Nikolaev. How did you perceive the changes?

— Considering that the Dakar is closed and the main race is the Silk Road, it probably couldn’t have been any other way. The project manager cannot manage the team during the race. I consider this decision to be absolutely correct and the only possible one.

— Nikolaev does not yet have much experience in managing a sports team. At the same time, he remained a KAMAZ-master combat pilot. Will it hold the load?

“I think Edward can handle it.” I am sure that if there are any questions, Vladimir Gennadievich will tell him and share his management and life experience.

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— Let’s talk about football. Last time you said that you were hoping for a pre-trial resolution with UEFA regarding the termination of the sponsorship contract with PJSC Gazprom. How did the affair end?

“It’s not over, it’s in progress.” So I can’t go into details.

— Is it difficult to access the international sports market today? Do you feel any obstacles?

– We’re not going anywhere.

— Turkish media reported that a Russian company could name the stadium of the Besiktas football club.

– These are rumors. There were not even any negotiations on this issue.

— Zenit is on the verge of winning a record-extending sixth Russian championship in a row. Are you satisfied with the team’s performance?

— This is all the result of a lot of work. Such victories don’t just happen, the ball is round, no one can give you the title of champion if you don’t make a big effort yourself.

— Is the team capable of reaching 10 wins in a row? Many say Zenit has resources, but they are not trying to acquire quality players.

— I would like to, but it’s a sport in which everything is unpredictable. As for the second part of your question, successfully invite and sell football players like Zenit does.

— Malcolm’s summer transfer to Saudi Arabia for 60 million euros surprised everyone. Few people could have predicted that a Russian player could be bought for such a high sum for our football.

— We have had many important and serious transfers. Let me note Hulk, this transition has been in the news for many years. Again, it’s a matter of strategy and competent work of all structures of the club.