MOSCOW, Sep 28 The current winner of the Dakar rally, the KAMAZ- master» refused to sign the International Automobile Federation (FIA) questionnaire condemning the Russian special operation in Ukraine and allowing it to take part in the 2023 race, according to the website of the Russian team. «Dakar» will be held from December 31, 2022 to January 15, 2023 in Saudi Arabia. «The participation of Russian athletes in the Dakar rally is due to the need to sign the questionnaire of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), condemning the Russian special operation in Ukraine. In our opinion, the content of this document is political in nature, and also violates the principles of equal conditions for athletes. We consider it impossible for ourselves signing such documents and participating in competitions on such conditions.Our choice is obvious — we are always with our Motherland, especially when it is in a difficult situation» , — the report says. In January, the KAMAZ-master crew led by Dmitry Sotnikov became the winner of the Dakar rally marathon, which was held in Saudi Arabia, in the truck category for the second time in a row. In total, the Russian team has 19 victories at the Dakar.
