Dakar Rally 2013: Tatra´s Loprais – “We really thank you for everything”.
The last speed trial offered a nice, wide and fast tracks. So the crews were not allowed to take a break in concentration. At the gates of Santiago a short racing circuit waited to the riders to entertain the audience. Racers could perform in a variety of jumps and drifts. But it was just a starter for the closing ceremony.
But do not anticipate. The crew number 503 and the Czech Loprais Tatra even in the last stage held between the best and finished on the 4th place with the loss of 2:19. Versluis (MAN) won the stage, De Rooy (Iveco) was the second and Biason (Iveco) the third.
This means for the Tatra-crew in the final order the 6th place with the loss of 01:16:10 hours to the winner, Nikolaev (Kamaz) and hat-trick for Kamaz. Everyone from the team is tired, but healthy. “Maybe we feel little sadness, that we stayed for so long in the sixth place and could not coax the Tatra to move in the most precious medal places” Loprais said.
The whole competition Ales Loprais and his codrivers Radim and Serge and also all the mechanics and support fought on the track for every single minute and also with all the pitfalls bravely and with pride. They tried to cut the almost 2 hours loss from the 5th stage and did not stop believing, even though the old Tatra was little stubborn.
“This years performance leaves no doubt about the fact, that on “Silk Way Rally” and Dakar 2014 will “InstaForex Loprais Team” with the Racetruck attack the victory” the team reported after the race.
Watch with us the podium finish, the trucks will get on the podium at 14:04 local time, our crew about 16:00 local time. We are preparing for you report from this unbelievable fan base with an awesome atmosphere, that can not be describe by any words. We are saying goodbye by wishing you calm Sunday and by message from Ales Loprais: “Once again we really thank you for everything!”
2013/01/21 | 19:59 CET | ARTICLE: MR/HS/HOUTHOOFDTOVA