January 11, Salta
There is a lo of journalists, organizers, participants near the hospitality area set up by the energy drink brand Red Bull in the early morning... It turned out that nine times world champion Sébastien Loeb (WRC) decided to visit the Dakar bivouac. The guest is a little bit late. By the time of his arrival the sky was beclouded. Rally driver, who is considered the most successful driver in WRC history, arrived to the bivouac with a rain which lasted then all day. Slopping about in puddles and accompanied by another Frenchman Luc Alphand (Motorsports legend), Sébastien approached to the truck of Eduard Nikolaev and climbed into the cab. I asked: "Do you want to drive KAMAZ?"
- Why not, anything is possible - evasively answered Loeb.
- It is quite unexpectedly to see you here; maybe do you plan to participate at the Dakar?
The Frenchman didn’t hesitate: "Not straight away!" Although a lot of stages at the first week of this Dakar were like a WRC stages and Sébastien probably would have been on top. Then the guests took some photos with Vladimir Chagin and bystanders Eduard Nikolayev and Dmitry Sotnikov. Young pilots modestly stood on the side, although I would probably have tried to stay between seven-time winner of the Dakar and nine times WRC champion to make a wish. My wish would be naturally connected with the current race.
Rain severely hampered the team's mechanics, but all works on preparation for the next stage go according to the plan. It is a systematic approach, the tradition of the team. Ilgizar Mardeev has new tasks on this Dakar; he coordinates the work of mechanics. The springs have been already replaced. This work is required and mechanics usually do it in a rest day on each Dakar. After the first week of the race some cracks can also appear on the frame and other units under extra strain during the race. The theme of engines is also the most important. One of the most important tasks on this Dakar is the test of our engines. Vladimir Guba and Mikhail Myasoedov are responsible persons of it. The presence of these experienced professionals, such as Rafael Ilyasov, Sergey Nikitin, Evgeny Kharlamov, Stanislav Konopko, Ildar Shaysultanov, Oleg Ivanov, Dmitry Maximov (incomplete list) gives confidence.
Sergey Savostin constantly works with the navigators. Every day they carefully analyze each special stage and each navigation mistake.
The important procedure after all repairs is the test of the vehicle. How late would it not end - the truck must be tested before the start of the next stage. And it is not easy to find a place for it around an unfamiliar city. Fortunately Vadim Valeev with Stanislav Konopko succeeded. I and our designer Anton Elikov go to the outskirts of Salta with the pilots. The car of the team’s new friend Geo is ahead. He is a fan of the KAMAZ-master Team, and he accompanies the rally from the Rosario with his friends on his Volkswagen. Along the way we pass the terrifying slums. Geo warns to be careful, the crime situation in the poorest regions is important; the guys can have even weapons. But when these guys see KAMAZ, the "bandits" turned into enthusiastic boys and they are ready to carry our pilots in their arms. The crew members are probably already accustomed to such a warm reception in Argentine.
The Dakar has passed its equator; tomorrow the fight will be continued on the stage Salta-Salta.
