The head of the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF), Viktor Kiryanov, in a conversation with a correspondent, expressed his support for the team Master KAMAZ who will miss the Dakar Rally due to International Automobile Federation (FIA) conditions, which are political in nature.
The Russian team announced on Wednesday that it would not participate in the marathon rally, considering itself unable to sign the FIA questionnaire condemning the Russian special operation in Ukraine. The signature of this document is compulsory for the admission of Russian riders to participate in the Dakar.
– It’s a pity that KAMAZ-master does not participate. But signing what they ask for, in my opinion, is wrong.
We have already discussed everything among ourselves and are determined to make racing in Russia even better. We have already organized the Silk Road in the summer, watched and realized that we could not organize worse competitions in our territory. Who wants, that he comes to participate with us. We have thought of all these questions and wish to invite teams and riders from friendly countries.
Can the FIA cross out these points for participation in the Dakar? We have telephone conversations on certain issues, but it is not the system work that we used to have with the FIA. Previously, our people were part of many commissions, about 20 people. There was active work, which was noted not only by us, but also by the international federation. Now, unfortunately, that is not the case. But that’s okay. On the territory of Russia we are doing all the same, but there is not enough time,” Kiryanov told .
KAMAZ-master crews have become the winners of the rally marathon 19 times. The Dakar 2023 will take place in Saudi Arabia from December 31 to January 15.
Source : MatchTV
