A long-awaited rest day in the Chinese city Urumqi started at 8 a.m. local time for KAMAZ-master Team. Covered with clouds, sky made the day very comfortable for work, and it was what the team was doing all day long – working. Not only mechanics but pilots and co-pilots did the full diagnostics of their trucks: they changed, repaired something and screwed something up. After the first half of the race something could already be said about some novelties in trucks. That was what the pilot of KAMAZ-master Team Airat Mardeev told us:
-Airat, a half of the race is already behind, can you already draw a conclusion about the gear box in a real rally conditions?
- The box works well, I don’t have any сlaims to it. We are getting used, adjust, but I can’t say that it is better as there are some disadvantages, that influence the speed greatly. The lack of brakes, automatic gearbox doesn’t have intarder – it is a transmission brake - and sometimes it influences the speed greatly. But there are also some advantages – for example, on long rises you can shift to another speed without loss of torque. I’m looking forward to trying the box in Chinese sands, on dunes, there you don’t need brakes much, that is why we hope to see its potential there. And it is going to be a real challenge in the sands and only after then we can make a decision: buy into it or not. If it doesn’t give much advantage – so there’s no reason. On the last special it was more preferable to have a mechanical gearbox, I wanted to shift the gear and pedal to the floor.
- Airat, today you are 27 minutes off the pace. Do you find it critical or you think it is possible to win back?
- It is a lot! It is very important who you lose to, and currently they are Dima Sotnikov and Anton Shibalov. If it was somebody else from other team, I would realize that we were very strong in sands and we could win back. But speaking about our guys - only something extraordinary can happen to win the minutes back.
- If today you had a time advantage of 27 minutes. Would you feel confident?
- I wouldn’t feel confident but it would be easier. If you pass the sands well, it is very difficult to catch up. Dima may have only one problem here – it is engine adaptation to the sands, but if he succeeds – he has high chances to win.
-What do you think what are the chances of KAMAZ-master Team for the victory?
-There are chances, but we know very well that mistakes in sands cost a lot, therefore it is better to slow down and be sure that you can pass. Then you will lose a minute or two but keep your position and the truck.
-Airat, let’s distract from KAMAZ and the race. Could you answer several questions? They say that you should try everything in your life. Do you agree or there are things you would never try?
-I would never jump with a parachute…I am afraid of heights. I don’t even mention such stupid things like drugs. Definitely not.
-How do you see your life in 20 years?
- I will be 50 in 20 years time. I hope to live into that age if it’s God will (laughs). What is for sure – I will change my line of work. I want to live for myself then.
-Airat, do you have your own secret of success?
-Never give up. This should constantly be in your mind. And it is not only about races, but everything. This is the main principle in life. You just need to go till the end notwithstanding all difficulties and contradictions, disagreements.
-Do you have real friends, enemies?
-A lot of friends. For example, in the team. All pilots, we grew altogether and it doesn’t matter how we argue sometimes, anyway we try to keep together, we have been together since childhood and know one another very well. Moreover, when you are always away from home, it unites. I know, if I need a help, they will definitely give a hand. I don’t have enemies, at least I don’t feel hostility to anyone.
-And concerning critics, can you accept it?
- Yes, if it is fair, then – without any questions. But I try to do everything in order to have it less.
-Do you want somebody to write a book about your life?
- Of course! A man always wants to put oneself to record. I don’t know how interesting it is for a big audience, but if the writer is talented, it could be very interesting.
- Can you tell about the best, memorable present?
- It’s difficult to choose one… One of the most memorable ones was a race kart Birel. It was everyone’s dream. I remember my father asked me what I wanted more – a car or a kart, and I chose a kart. It was my own first new kart. Then there were only two karts like that in Tatarstan: mine and Timur Timerzyanov’s. Then Nikolay Bondarev was in charge of purchasing of vehicles.
-Are there any historical persons you are interested in?
-There are sportsmen that I admire. My hero for the whole life is Ayrton Senna. It is a legend! I read much about him, saw films. He died in 1994. He didn’t have authorities on the track, and he didn't care whom he overtook, even if it was an eight-time champion. If he had a chance he would definitely overtake him – he never lost such an opportunity, even if it could cause an accident, that was many times. But he always said that if you saw an open trajectory and didn’t use it – you would better go away. He was never afraid of higher ranked people, he could gain his point till the end.
-And would you like to try yourself in another race category?
- Definitely – rally-cross. It is a contact battle, and a rally that I love so much, but it is a battle that I would like to add. Mix of a rally and a cross. It is a dream.
- What is your attitude towards new people in KAMAZ-master Team?
- I have good relationship with them, not all stay long, but they who catch on – stay for a long time. It is very pleasant when a person takes a job under my recommendations, then the person comes and shows a really good result. For example, last year I promoted a young designing engineer Albert Arslanov. Then he worked in England and I went there for a Goodwood festival, and notwithstanding expensive tickets, long distance, he came specially to give his CV and it impressed me. The CV I gave to our engineer - Evgeny Yakovlev. Then he was surprised to see such a strong education and invited Albert to join the team, and now he is with us.
