“I hope to be the best one”

Like many of the top competitors in the trucks, Ales Loprais knows that he has a golden opportunity to take victory at Dakar 2023. In the absence of the all-conquering Kamaz-Master team, victorious at the past six editions, the 42-year-old could become the first Czech winner since his beloved uncle Karel Loprais, who sadly died on the eve of last year's Dakar. Despite the sudden loss of the six-time champion -described by Ales as a “real gentleman” and a “real person”- the InstaForex Loprais Praga crew still did a fine job at Dakar 2022. Though never seriously in the fight for overall honours, they were on course for a fourth-placed finish until hitting major mechanical trouble on Stage 10, with a broken steering column dropping them down to 21st. Ales quipped last year that taking on Kamaz was like going into a football match “with 11 men against 44”, but there should be a much more level playing field this time around. For the second year running, the Olomouc native is joined in his trusty Praga V4S DKR by talented young navigator Jaroslav Valtr Jr and regular mechanic Petr Pokora. The Czech trio will be determined to take the fight to rivals like Martin Macik and Janus van Kasteren, and guide their truck, 'Lady', to a long-awaited Loprais victory.

A.L.: “Karel was a great friend, part of our family and a worldwide Dakar hero. It was tough for all of us to lose him, but we believe he is still watching us and enjoying a well-deserved rest in Dakar heaven! I think that without Kamaz, Dakar 2023 could be a very attractive competition. The middle field of the truck category is very equal and competitive. My philosophy is: may the best crew win, and I hope to be the best one! Our 'Lady' is excellent, a well-tested truck. I trust her!”