«KAMAZ-master» won the «Silk Way» rally, returning the «white tiger» to Russia. Team leader Eduard Nikolaev summed up the results of the difficult race, which finished in Mongolia, in an interview with Sport: about the prospects of returning to the «Dakar», about the showdown with «MAZ-sportavto» and his new role.
— So far, the situation in world sports has not changed, there is no rush to lift the sanctions. What do you see as the current prospects for «KAMAZ-master»? Is there any hope for a quick return to the international arena?
— It depends not only on us. We wouldn't mind coming back. And the Europeans really want our return, we are constantly in correspondence and communicate with them. The team is in shape. And I’m ready to fight for the title.
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—Is the financial situation in the team currently stable? Were you able to cope with external pressure and the consequences of sanctions?
— Yes, everything is fine. I would like to thank all the team partners. Special thanks to our native plant and the general director of KAMAZ, Sergei Anatolyevich Kogogin. Therefore, we did not have any serious financial problems. Now the main task is maximum import substitution of components and assemblies. We are working hard in this direction — we are switching to Russian components.
The “Silk Road” turned out great”
— The title of winner of the Silk Road has returned to KAMAZ-master. But not the entire podium belongs to the Russian team. What grade will you give yourself based on the results of the race?
— Yes, the title has returned to KAMAZ-master, which we are incredibly happy about. I would especially like to note the support we received despite last year's defeat. And the “white tiger” returned to where it should be. This is cool. Yes, not the entire podium is ours, but I can call the result excellent. All the crews did a great job. They could have taken third place, but fate decreed it that way. It's more correct. The first and second places go to KAMAZ, the third goes to the Belarusians. Bogdan Karimov is nearby. For a debut at an international rally, this is a great result. Fifth place goes to Sergei Kupriyanov, which is also great. And Andrei Karginov closed the line.
— It is clear that there is much more positive now. Is there any negativity left?
— The Silk Road in 2024 turned out great. The wonderful track inspired us very much. After all, we have already missed two Dakars, and these open spaces, sands, dunes, rocks, river beds, winding and fast roads — we really miss all this. In recent years, the Silk Road Rally has taken place across Russia. And we compete throughout the year in our country. This year we were very glad that the organizers found the opportunity to open Mongolia for us.
— But still. What were you dissatisfied with after the race? What needs to be worked on?
— For me and for Dmitry Sotnikov, this was the first start in Mongolia. And immediately successful. But all this helped to understand that there is still room for improvement in technical terms. Otherwise, everything is great.
“If only” always gets in the way»
— As for the young Karimov. It seemed that, due to his age, he sometimes took too many risks. Or is it erroneous impression?
— Yes, there were such moments. But all this is due to the fact that he has not previously competed at international competitions. Have not participated in marathon races that last more than ten days. He is used to sprint racing, with small special stages. And it was difficult for him to adapt to this format when the terrain changes every day. He and I prepared carefully. I liked that he listened and worked on himself. It was hard for him. Probably, Bogdan needed an experienced pilot in the crew who could give advice during the race. Let’s think about the option of adding another driver to the international rally with newcomers. Yes, he had the experienced Dmitry Nikitin with him, but he is a navigator. Overall, I am pleased with Bogdan.
—Are there other similar talents on the way?
< br>— Of course, we are working in this direction. In September, there is a race in Ulyanovsk, and we are planning to attract a young promising pilot there — Dmitry Avdeev. He is already ready, he has completed the entire mechanic course. And we have started to roll him out little by little during training. And now we want to try him at competitions. His task will be to carefully drive the truck to the finish line.
— Many say that if Sergey Vyazovich had not had a breakdown, he could have defended his title at the Silk Way. How can you comment on this statement?
— This is a sport. “If only” always gets in the way. I can say the same “would” about my crew. If the shock absorber had not broken, the result could have been different. But it's a race. Strategy. And a lot is a matter of chance. We see the result at the finish line. We are all in the same conditions and driving along the same route.
— During the race there were unpleasant incidents between KAMAZ-master and MAZ-sportauto. . Is all this left behind? Were you able to communicate with Belarusians and resolve all misunderstandings?
— Yes, such nuances are always present. Because it is a fight. A fight on the track. Everyone wants to win. And now it was not without such nuances, with the same overtaking. But by the end of the race everything got better. We communicated well. I think everything was fair. It is clear that everyone has emotions, but it is great when there is such competition. We remain on good terms with MAZ. And we continue to communicate.
On Vladimir Chagin's experiences
— You started the Silk Way Rally for the first time as a team leader. What has changed? Have personal ambitions faded into the background?
— Even more responsibility has been added. As a leader, you are responsible for the actions of each crew. No matter what happens. After the finish you need to delve more into what is happening. You need to analyze the work of the entire team and be responsible for it. This is unusual, difficult, but very interesting. And I am ready to continue working.
— Vladimir Chagin said that he did not interfere in your work. Did you often turn to him for advice?
— Yes, Vladimir Gennadyevich did not interfere, but from the outside it was obvious how worried he was! But we ourselves need to learn to make prompt and correct decisions.
— After the finish, many pilots compared the Silk Way with the Dakar and agreed that this route is much more interesting. What do you think?
— It's hard to compare, after all, we haven't participated in the Dakar for two years. We've already forgotten about it. But it's definitely not worse. Thank you for the long special stages with dunes and rocks. Even the prologue was tough.
— Can the SP be called an equivalent replacement for the Dakar now that it has returned to the international format?
— I think so. Of course, there weren't enough participants, we saw that. But that's the current world situation. I think that all of our participants, the Europeans who watched our race and the struggle in all categories, would be very eager to come.