There has never been a connection like this before. All three teams will make maximum use of their years of experience gained on circuits or demanding marathon courses in the field. The North Bohemian stable MKR Technology , with its new project MKR Adventure , is this time in the role of technical partner of both international racing teams, which signed a declaration of mutual support at the famous Dakar Rally. "You practically cannot win the Dakar as an individual. Against the extraordinary superiority of Russian Kamaz and other teams with significant factory support, you simply don't stand a chance if you don't have someone behind you who you can rely on and know will help you. A fair amount of luck is also important, and we try to meet it as much as possible. We have more facilities, new technology and continuous assistance, which increases the chances of success," explains Tomáš Vrátný , head of the Bonver Dakar Project team.
None of the three teams are new to motorsport. The Bonver Dakar Project team is preparing for its third appearance at the world's most demanding rally. For Tomáš Vrátný, it will even be the fourth year of the Dakar. On the other hand, the Jewish stable of MKR Technology benefits mainly from the more than twenty years of experience of the designer Mario Kress in the development of circuit tractors . Winning several Constructors' Cups from the European Championship fits MKR Technology into the role of one of the most successful constructors ever. The team had its Dakar premiere this January, when it was preparing the engine for Aleš Loprais , who finished sixth overall and with two stage victories became the best Czech representative. High ambitions are therefore appropriate. "It's not just a one-time event and just the delivery of technology. Our goal is to create a long-term and successful project at the international level. Together we are looking several years ahead. We are connected not only by business, but above all by personal relationships, which can be built on much better. There is nothing better than when everyone has similar ideas. I believe that we will be able to achieve our goals," says experienced German designer Mario Kress from the MKR Technology team.
While MKR Technology built two complete Renault K520 4×4 Dakar trucks for the Dutch Mammoet Rallysport team, special racing aggregates were prepared at the Jewish Technology Center for three Tatra Jamal racing specials of the Bonver Dakar Project team. The German designer Mario Kress worked on their development primarily with Milan Holán , chief engineer of the Bonver Dakar Project team and Tomáš Vrátný's co-pilot. "Milan is among the top among the Dakar constructors, while Mario is among the circuit specialists. They complement each other and understand each other, which is extremely important and beneficial for the whole project. It's a connection from which both parties benefit," Tomáš Vrátný praises the cooperation with MKR Technology.
From a technical point of view, the combination of these two Czech teams with international ambitions results in an interesting composition of technology. In the Kopřivnice workshops of the Bonver Dakar Project team, under the leadership of Milan Holána, three hooded Tatra Jamal specials with swinging semi-axles typical for Tatra trucks were created, in the Jewish workshops of Maria Kress, the mentioned two Renault trambus specials with fixed axles were produced in the last months. Experienced Dutch pilots of the Mammoet Rallysport team Martin van den Brink and Pascal de Baar will drive with them. As part of the project, there is not only an interesting combination of teams, but also a direct comparison of both chassis concepts.
In addition, the data, experience and verification of prototype parts will continue to be used by individual car manufacturers. "Technical development that will be used in the serial production of trucks is another of the primary goals of the project. That's why we decided to follow the path of both concepts and not focus on just one of them. We want to test, compare and evaluate the collected data, which we will be able to provide to truck manufacturers," notes Tomáš Vrátný .
And the goal for the Dakar Rally 2015 ? "We'll see how we do. Technical preparation, good physical condition and luck are always necessary for success. We are doing our best to fulfill the first two points, we hope for the third. We are creating a long-term project that we want to develop further, so we are not setting any exaggerated goals for Dakar 2015. We will go about it gradually, but we definitely want to be seen," concludes Mario Kress .
Source: Bonver Dakar Project
