“I expect this Dakar to be harder”

Martin Soltys will be back in the familiar surroundings of the Tatra Buggyra ZM Racing team as he takes part in his sixth Dakar in 2023. The 49-year-old did his first four editions with the Czech outfit, originally acting as a wingman for Martin Kolomy but posting some solid results himself: 12th in 2018, 11th in 2020 and 10th in 2021. He then switched things up for Dakar 2022, joining the Big Shock Racing team in support of Martin Macik. However, he ended up abandoning on Stage 10 and has made the decision to return to his former team, admitting that he prefers the Tatra to the Iveco Powerstar he drove last year. Having linked up with Tatra Buggyra ZM Racing again in the spring, he has been heavily involved in the construction of his new Tatra 815, saying that he knows it “down to the last screw”. His new truck boasts a Gyrtech engine and Allison automatic transmission, as well as a lighter cab than the Phoenix that Jaroslav Valtr will be driving for the team. Martin and his crew will also be testing some new components ahead of Dakar 2024, as Buggyra look ahead to the hybrid era on the world's toughest rally. Former biker Roman Krejci will act as Martin's navigator for the second year running, while mechanic David Hoffmann comes in for his second Dakar experience after helping Ignacio Casale finish ninth in 2021. Martin suspects that in the absence of Kamaz-Master, this Dakar will be an absolute dogfight, but he's still determined to improve on previous showings and maybe target the top five overall.

M.S.: “Of course, I'm glad to return to Buggyra Racing. I had four really good years with them. I'm happy to build on that and I'm already looking forward to Dakar 2023. In the Big Shock Racing team, I drove a truck with a 'nose' and solid axles. It was a great experience, but I don't like the truck as much as the Tatra. That's why I've come back to Buggyra, where I'll be racing with the proven Tatra chassis. I expect this Dakar to be harder. A much harder and longer track awaits us. In the absence of Kamaz, everyone will feel they have a chance to win. It'll be an achievement to reach the top 10 in the final standings. First, I want to finish the Dakar, survive and enjoy it. Of course, I would like to significantly improve on 10th place. I'd be satisfied with fifth or sixth.”