Originally, the last stage of the Dakar Rally , leading from Rosario to Buenos Aires , was supposed to measure 174 sharp kilometers. Due to heavy downpours, the timed test was shortened and Martin Kolomý crossed the finish line as the sixth fastest.
"We are extremely satisfied with the boys. We are a purely Czech crew on a Czech car and we measured ourselves against factory cars. Many thanks to the whole team for the work they did and I would also like to congratulate Aleš on the result. Next year, however, we will be stronger and he should be afraid of us already," said a laughing Martin Kolomý at the finish and continued his assessment of this year's rally: "We had some technical problems and an accident during the Dakar. Even so, we remained in the elite ten. When I look around, we are the only small team at the front with one car and that is a huge achievement."
David Vršecký , the designer of the racing special, also enjoyed the two-week war with the pitfalls of the Dakar in the background of the TATRA Buggyra Racing team . "Of course I'm happy that we're at the finish line, but personally I expected us to be higher. But Kamaz is a very strong team and we foolishly thought that we could be a balanced opponent in the second year of our work at the Dakar. But we did everything in our power to be in the top five. Unfortunately, with the problems that came up, we couldn't do it. We will definitely try it again next year," said Vršecký.
The technical director of the team, Robin Dolejš , also joined David's assessment. "We already had a small private evaluation of the technology here, and we already know what we will be working on from February. We will also have to focus on testing in sand and dunes, which is probably our biggest weakness."
"As a small team, we cannot take so many risks against opponents who have two or more cars in the race. Martin must drive with reason and the knowledge that he has no one to help him. On the other hand, we have the factory support of Tatra and this is fundamentally important in the preparation and construction of the car. On my behalf, I would like to thank all the team members, our supporters, and also the partners, without whom this would not be possible. We are among the elite and we will already be thinking about what to improve for next year," said Jan Kalivoda , manager of the TATRA Buggyra Racing team, in Buenos Aires with satisfaction.
In the penultimate stage, the team assistance car had problems. But the mechanics first had to prepare Martin Kolome's special for the final day. "We managed until the early hours of the morning, but it was done. In this way, I would like to thank Robert Kasák, who drove us to the bivouac yesterday. Dakar is not only a struggle on the track, but also off it," described yesterday's troubles of the Dolejš team.
The members of the Czech team now await the ceremonial announcement of this year's Dakar rally and the handing over of the equipment at the port. On Sunday, the team will fly to the Czech Republic, where they will arrive on Monday afternoon.
Source: Buggyra
