Russian navigator Konstantin Zhiltsov, in a conversation with a correspondent, expressed the opinion that the withdrawal of runners from Russia is due to the fact that no one needs strong rivals.
Earlier on Wednesday, Zhiltsov told he would receive a second passport to compete in the Dakar, but declined to name the country. Before that, it was known that to be admitted to the Dakar, the riders had to sign a declaration condemning the Russian special operation in Ukraine.
— Is there also pressure on the organizers of the Dakar?
– The story is not entirely clear. Nobody pressures them. There is some wording, a piece of paper, but no one wants to get involved in the process. Of course, we are competitors, but it would be interesting if the Russians also participated. We are not many.
– You can count on the fingers of two hands if you take KAMAZ-master for a combat unit.
– Exactly. Moreover, no one needs rivals. Everyone looks at monsters such as KAMAZ or MAZ. But all their life they fought with KAMAZ, who needs it? There are none, and everyone is fine with no unnecessary rivals.
The KAMAZ-master team has won the Dakar rally marathon a record 19 times.
Zhiltsov is 57 years old, at the 2013 Dakar rally, the navigator took third place in the off-road category, he also became fifth (2015) and eighth (2016) in Dakar. Additionally, he won the World Rally Raid Cup (2014) and second place (2015).
The Dakar Rally is a round of the World Championship organized by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The FIA has previously required riders to sign a statement condemning the Russian special operation in Ukraine.
Source : MatchTV
