Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which will compete in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2022 with Mitsubishi Motors' technical support, has conducted endurance tests of the Triton rally car on an off-road course in Thailand on June 27th and 28th, confirming that preparations for the rally are proceeding smoothly.

The endurance tests subjected the car to high loads comparable to those expected in the rally and focused mainly on the reliability and durability of the chassis and engine. To test the performance of the rally car in an environment similar to that of the actual course, the Team used a 10-kilometer course that combines a high-speed range, rough gravel road and a narrow, winding forest course.

"Since the Triton has a robust chassis frame and an excellent handling performance, we decided to reduce the vehicle weight at a minimum for the rally modification while leveraging its original strength as much as possible," said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. "Having covered more than 800 kilometers in two days, the rally car showed its great performance throughout the tough endurance tests as we expected, and now we are confident that our preparation is on the right track."

AXCR is a gruelling, week-long, 2,000-kilometer cross-country rally that races through the unique natural terrain of Southeast Asia. Normally held in August of each year, the rally was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the dates for the rally were pushed back to November 21st to 26th, and the course will be about 1,700 kilometres long, beginning in Buriram in the northeast of Thailand before crossing into Cambodia and ending at the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat.

Triton rally car overview

The Triton rally car is classified as a Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Group T1 rally car (prototype cross-country vehicle). Based on the Thailand-specification double-cab model, the car’s hood, front and rear doors, interior and other parts have been lightened, while the body has been strengthened with a roll cage and under guards. The dedicated rally car suspension provides superb handling characteristics, while the front and rear limited-slip differential (LSD), large-diameter off-road tires and lightweight alloy wheels dramatically improve handling on rough road surfaces. Tuning of the 2.4 L diesel turbo engine has focused on reducing friction loss and weight, and improving responsiveness in the mid-speed ranges frequently used in rallies. Some AXCR stages include river crossings, so water-proofing modifications have also been added, such as stronger sealing and an air-intake snorkel.

“The Triton rally car is ruggedly styled and able to perform in an extreme rally endurance environment. The car’s reliability and durability complement our brands long and successful motorsport history and goes hand in hand with our adventurous lifestyle focus,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

Source Mitsubishi Motors

The current international situation has forced the organizer of the Rally Kazakhstan, round three of the FIA & FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), to cancel its 2022 edition, which was due to take place from 25 to 30 April. As a result, the next W2RC round will take place from 7 to 12 June at the Andalucía Rally in Spain, and will be followed by Morocco’s Rallye du Maroc from 7 to 12 October 2022. In view of this situation, all stakeholders of the discipline – the FIA, FIM, the teams and W2RC promoter A.S.O. – are now jointly considering a number of possible replacements to host a fifth and final round, to be held at the end of the season. The Rally Kazakhstan will be fully restored to the 2023 calendar*.

* subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council and FIM Board of Directors

The 2022 Silk Way Rally will be held in the status of Russian competition with the permitted admission for foreign competitors

In connection with the ban on holding international/zonal competitions in the Russian Federation, imposed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM), the Directorate of the International Project Silk Way Rally decided to change the sports status from international to Russian competition in 2022. This initiative received support from the Russian Automobile Federation.

It is important to note that this decision will allow foreign competitors to be admitted to the Silk Way Rally 2022 as well.

In addition, due to the current situation, the Rally Directorate is also reviewing the entry fees for competitors of the 2022 edition that will be announced later.

As it is planned, the Silk Way Rally 2022 will take place from 6 to 16 July, starting in Astrakhan and finishing in Moscow. The total distance will be 4,380 kilometers, 2,800 kilometers of them will be competitive.

Source Silk Way Rally

 The Directorate of the International Project Silk Way Rally has started accepting entries for participation in the 2022 rally marathon.

The major cross-country rally in Eurasia will take place from 6 to 16 July along a route that includes several absolutely new territories for the Silk Way Rally. In honor of the 350th anniversary of the birth of Emperor Peter I, the rally will connect ten regions of Russia, many of which are inextricably linked with his name. The race will start in Astrakhan, and then will pass through the territory of the North Caucasus – the Republic of Dagestan and the Chechen Republic – lands famous for their natural and historical places of interest. After that the Silk Way Rally caravan will go to the Republic of Kalmykia, visit the Volgograd and Voronezh regions, then finish on Red Square in Moscow.

We would like to remind you that from February 15 to April 15 there is a minor rate, then up to June 1, 2022 – standard rate. In addition, the rally Directorate has developed a system of discounts for regular competitors:

- if a driver took part in the 2021 edition, then in 2022 his crew will receive a 15% discount;
- if a driver took part in two or more editions of the Silk way Rally (for example, 2019 + 2021), the discount will be 20%;
- crews using alternative fuel will receive a 50% discount;
- also, according to tradition, crews where each competitor is under 30 years old, and completely female crews will be able to take part in the rally free of charge.

Source Silk Way Rally

 15 FEBRUARY 2022 - OPENING OF ENTRIES

More information:
https://silkwayrally.com/en/competitors/

This year the Silk Way Rally will take place exclusively on Russian territory and guarantees us a smooth running of the entire route during this pandemic period!
A condensed route between ASTRAKHAN and MOSCOW with 9 stages, including 4 loops in superb landscapes and mainly sandy tracks.
2800 kilometres of special stages and only 2300 kilometres of liaisons.

TRANSPORTATION OF THE VEHICLES
Pick up at the Russian border with a SILK WAY RALLY team to facilitate your passage.
Reduced mileage for your drivers and only beautiful road all along the route.
Only 2400 kilometres of assistance between Astrakhan and Moscow.

Transportation tariff: https://silkwayrally.com/en/competitors/transport/

OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
If you want to send your vehicles to start in Astrakhan or back from Moscow with different means of transport than those proposed by the organizers, please tell us your route and dates of movement, so that we can give you all the necessary information for organizing your logistics.
We are waiting for you at the Ceremonial Start in Astrakhan on July 7, 2022!

Source Silk Way Rally

The Directorate of the International Project Silk Way Rally has developed a system of discounts for the 2022 rally competitors.

The discount system is as follows:
- If the driver took part in the 2021 rally, then in 2022 his crew will be given a 15% discount*
- If the driver has participated in two or more Silk Way Rally events (for example, 2019 + 2021), his crew will be given a 20% discount*
- Crews using alternative fuels will receive a 50% discount*
- Crews under the age of 30, as well as all female crews will be able to take part in the rally without paying entry fees.
* discounts are not cumulative

These discounts are available throughout the entire application period: both during the minor rates (from February 15 to April 15) and during the standard rates (from April 16 to June 1).

In addition, the rally Directorate has prepared a special campaign: visa support for G-MOTO CHALLENGE category riders is provided free of charge.

The amount of accreditation fees for media representatives planning to work on the entire route of the rally will also be revised. Detailed information will be published later.

The organizers are waiting for everyone at the Ceremonial Start in Astrakhan on July 7, 2022!

Source Silk Way Rally

The route of the Silk Way Rally 2022 is announced

The online presentation of the route of the 12th edition of the Silk Way Rally took place on November 10th, revealing to fans and competitors the main details of the upcoming event, previously kept in strict secrecy.

The largest cross-country rally in Eurasia will take place from July 6 to 16, starting in Astrakhan (administrative inspections and scrutineering are also planned there) and finishing in Moscow’s Red Square. 

The North Caucasus and Grozny – the capital of the Chechen Republic, Elista, Volgograd, Voronezh – connecting these points on the map, you can understand how interesting and diverse will be the geography of the 2022 event.

The total length of this unique route will be 4,380 kilometers, including 2,800 kilometers of special stages.

The Silk Way Rally Sports Directorate is always ready to meet the competitors needs and that is why the fees for participation in the 2022 Silk Way Rally will remain the same as in 2021. 

The organizers also keep another good tradition: crews under the age of 30, as well as 100% female crews will be able to take part in the rally without paying entry fees.

Competitors in all types of vehicles will be allowed to participate in the competition: motorcycles, quads, buggies (SSV), cars and trucks.

Opening of Entries is scheduled to start on February 15, 2022.

Vladimir Chagin, Head of the International Project Silk Way Rally:

“What makes the Silk Way Rally special? The fact that every year the competitors of the event overcome a completely new route, which is never repeated. The 2022 race will not be an exception – its distance will open up a lot of new things for each racer. Let me warn you right away: it's going to be interesting, but extremely difficult. Although these are the challenges that attract competitors from all over the world.
Our country is proud of its centuries-old history. Coincidentally, next year marks the 350th anniversary of the birth of the person who opened a “window to Europe” for Russia, namely Peter the First. He is called “The Great”, as well as the Silk Way Rally. And our next year event will go through many cities that are connected with the name of this Russian emperor”.

Luc Alphand, Silk Way Rally Sporting Director:

“One of the features of the cross-country rally, besides the sports component, is the opportunity to discover new landscapes. And now we are in the Chechen Republic, in the magnificent mountains. Cross-country rallies have never been held in this part of the country before. For us, as well as for the competitors, it is very important to be here and have the opportunity to discover new, previously undiscovered routs of an unprecedented scale and range.
The local authorities and population gave us the warmest welcome, demonstrating openness and sincere interest in the development of tourism and motorsport in the region. I especially would like to emphasize the high security of this region. Currently, this part of Russia is highly peaceful and stable, local people would like to show the whole world that the visit will be as safe and comfortable as possible”. 

Viktor Sokolov, First Deputy Head of the International Project Silk Way Rally:

“The International Silk Way Rally is not just a way from point A to point B. It is an adventure. Our task is to increase interest in the race and rise the number of competitors every year. Our goal is to take into account literally every wish, without forgetting about the balance between the sports component, logistics, and the impressions that the new route will give to the competitors”.

Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation:

“This unique project is ones again ready to unite like-minded people – professionals and enthusiasts – of motor sports from Russia and many other countries.  The new route of the competition will pass through the territory of the North Caucasus for the first time in the Silk Way Rally history – this is an absolutely new region for the cross-country rallies. I am sure that the unique beauty of nature, unique and diverse landscapes, the huge historical and cultural heritage of Russia will leave unforgettable impressions in the hearts of competitors and fans.
The implementation of such bright and at the same time solid and serious sports projects, such as the Silk Way Rally, creates a positive reputation and confirms the great opportunities of the regions along the route in organizing global sports events, creates the basis for the development of sports connections and attracts young people to sports events.
I would like to wish all racers success and a truly victorious mood, and all fans and viewers – the brightest impressions!”

GAZPROM and CAMF, principal partners of the Silk Way Rally

The Silk Way Rally is a large scale international project that has emerged and is developing thanks to a unique cohesive team and reliable support of partners. In 2022, Gazprom PJSC and the Automobile and Motorcycle Sports Federation of China will be the general partners, providing comprehensive support to the competition. 

The 2022 edition of the International Project Silk Way Rally is a challenge for everyone who is ready to test their strength and speed by opening new routes.  

PROGRAMM 

15 February 2022: - Opening of Entries
1 June 2022: - Closure of Entries
6-7 July 2022: - Administrative checks and scrutineering in Astrakhan, Russia
7 July 2022: - Ceremonial start, Astrakhan
16 July 2022: - Ceremonial finish, Moscow

Source Silk Way Rally

Contestants will remember this edition of the Silk Way Rally for long. The race turned out unusual in every sense: start in Siberia, the battle continuation in Altai, two stages at the border of Russia and Mongolia and return to Siberian forests in order to define winners; thereat the distance significantly shortened due to Mongolian stages cancellation and the total length of five special sections was 650 kilometers.

The final special section of the Silk Way Rally repeated the track of the second racing day. The advantage of Dmitry Sotnikov over the Belarusian Siarhei Viazovich in 6 minutes allowed the Russian crew not to risk at the key point of the race and keep a comfortable speed for himself.

The new truck of K5 family with index КАМАZ-435091 is the first on the Silk Way Rally and Sotnikov added one more trophy to his victory on the Dakar in January this year. For Dmitry this success became the third in his career, for his co-driver – the second and for his mechanic – the third. Also in Top 3 appeared Anton Shibalov.

Dmitry Sotnikov, driver of crew No 501: “We managed to justify efforts of our team. During several months everyone worked very hard day and night. Therefore, our prize is for all our team, for all fans, for everyone who helped to build a truck. The new racing truck of K5 generation is a leap forward for our team. I want to applause to all our team. There were no technical issues during the race”.

Source Kamaz Master

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Skyler Howes has claimed second overall at the 2021 Silk Way Rally, thanks in part to a strong performance on the fifth and final stage. The result moves the American up to second in the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship standings. Luciano Benavides completed stage five in eighth place, taking seventh in the overall rally standings.

Coming into the final day of racing at the Silk Way Rally in second overall, Skyler Howes held a narrow 49-second advantage over the third-placed rider. With the timed special being a repeat of day two, and navigation therefore being less of a challenge, times across the leading riders were extremely close with the top five split by less than three minutes.

Aiming to defend his position, yet not wanting to make a costly mistake on the fast tracks of the special, Howes chose the perfect pace over the 110km timed section to ultimately finish fourth on the stage and claim second overall in the final rally standings.

Despite having a technical issue on the previous round of the series that knocked him down the order, his second-place result from the Silk Way Rally elevates Skyler to second overall in the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. With the team contesting two further races in the series – Morocco and Abu Dhabi – the American star is still very much in the running for the championship title.

Bringing his FR 450 Rally home safely in eighth place on today’s stage five, Luciano Benavides secured seventh overall in the rally standings. Continuing to find his pace and rhythm after the crash that forced him to withdraw from this year’s Dakar Rally, the young Argentinian can take several positives from the Silk Way Rally, having ridden to five consistently fast stage results, well inside the top 10. Now, with a three-month break until the team contest the Rallye du Maroc, Luciano hopes to further improve his feeling on the bike, and work on his navigation skills on the run up to the final two rounds of the world championship.

Skyler Howes: “To get second place and my first podium at a world championship round is amazing. I was hoping for a slightly longer race, and maybe another step higher on the podium, but I can’t tell you how stoked I am to finish as runner-up. Things went well over the whole race and in the end, it came down to just seconds on the final stage. Thankfully, I had a really good ride and was able to defend my position in the standings. The result here moves me up to second in the championship standings, which after my issues in the first round feels amazing. We’ve got a bit of a break now until the next race, but to be in the fight for the championship only gives me more motivation. I definitely can’t wait to get racing again.”

Luciano Benavides: “I’m happy to finish the final stage and complete another rally. Today’s special was really fast with virtually no navigation at all – you didn’t really have to check the road book. I aimed for another solid result today to guarantee a safe finish to the race. I know my pace and result isn’t quite where I want it to be, but this rally has been great for building my confidence up and to get another finish is really important. I know what I need to work on now, so hopefully I can come back stronger at the next round.”

Pela Renet – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Rally Team Manager: “I’m really happy for Skyler claiming second place. He had some bad luck in Rally Kazakhstan and because of that he had to open the first day here at Silk Way. It wouldn’t have been too bad if the rally had run to the full 10 days, but after it was cut, he did a really good job to take back the time lost. Second in the race and second in the championship is really exciting, especially as Skyler has become comfortable very quickly on the new bike and that puts us in a really good situation for the rest of the championship. Luciano has secured another rally finish, which is hugely important for him after several crashes, including the one at Dakar. His pace is improving, as is his confidence, so I believe with some more work he can return to the form he expects at the next round of the championship.”

2021 Silk Way Rally – Stage 5Provisional Classification

1. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 1:04:05
2. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 1:05:21
3. Franco Caimi (Hero) 1:06:11
4. Skyler Howes (Husqvarna) 1:06:54
5. Sebastian Buhler (Hero) 1:06:54
6. Joaquim Rodrigues (Hero) 1:07:08
…
8. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 1:07:32

2021 Silk Way Rally – Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 5)

1. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 6:19:18
2. Skyler Howes (Husqvarna) 6:25:38
3. Franco Caimi (Hero) 6:25:44
4. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 6:26:37
5. Sebastian Buhler (Hero) 6:29:36
6. Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) 6:36:57
…
7. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 6:38:08

2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship – Provisional Standings (after round 2)

1. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 57.5 points
2. Skyler Howes (Husqvarna) 36 pts
3. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 32.5 pts
4. Franco Caimi (Hero) 32 pts
5. Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) 31 pts
6. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 23.5 pts

Source Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

 
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Matthias Walkner has tasted Silk Way Rally victory for the first time while Dmitry Sotnikov and Team Kamaz Master triumphed on home soil. Here is all you need to know:

- The 11th edition of the off-road adventure started in the Siberian city of Omsk and was due to finish in Mongolia after 10 stages of racing. However, due to the pandemic situation, race organisers decided the rally would not leave Russia. A contingency plan was implemented that saw the rally conclude after five stages in Russia.

- Leading the charge for Team Kamaz Master was 2021 Dakar Rally winner Sotnikov. The Russian was racing in Kamaz’s new look K5 Cab and he gave the redesigned truck the perfect debut as he followed up stage one’s victory with another win on stage two. A further stage win was added on stage four and he crossed the finish line the next day to claim his third Silk Way Rally overall victory.

- Sotnikov, who was supported the whole way by his fellow Kamaz drivers Anton Shibalov, Eduard Nikolaev and Ayrat Mardeev. said:

“This win is for our entire team, for all fans, for everyone who helped build the truck. Not a single technical problem arose during the race.”

- With teammate and 2019 Silk Way winner Sam Sunderland missing through injury, Walkner was flying the flag for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

- The Austrian started steadily before making his move on stage three, setting the day’s fastest time and taking the lead of the general classification. For the remaining two days of racing Walkner used all his experience and race craft to protect his lead. Victory in Russia moves Walkner to top spot in the 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

- Walkner said: “It’s a shame the rally had to be shortened, but the organisers did a great job of giving us a full event to race. To win the famous tiger trophy here at the Silk Way feels amazing, and with my win here I’m now also leading the championship. I couldn’t have asked for a better result really.”

- Also tasting success in the bike race was GasGas Factory rider Daniel Sanders. The Aussie scored his maiden World Championship stage win on the second day of racing in Russia. Sanders followed up his victory by setting the fastest times on stages four and five as well. It was results like this that helped Sanders to a fourth place finish overall, less than a minute away from a podium result.

- Sanders said - “I learned a lot this week, I felt great on the bike, and I know I have the speed so it’s all positive. When we get home from here my main focus will be on improving my navigation as this is where I feel I’m lacking a little bit. But overall, a pretty decent week for me and the team.”

- Next up in the six-round 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship is the Rally dos Sertões, running August 13-22.

2021 Silk Way Rally – Truck race Top 5

1. Dmitry Sotnikov (RUS), KAMAZ 6:59:53
2. Siarhei Viazovich (BLR), MAZ 7:04:29 +4:36
3. Anton Shibalov (RUS), KAMAZ 7:05:30 +5:37
4. Eduard Nikolaev (RUS), KAMAZ 7:17:35 +17:42
5. Ayrat Mardeev (RUS), KAMAZ 7:28:19 +28:26

2021 Silk Way Rally – Bike race Top 5

1. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 6:19:18
2. Skyler Howes (USA), Husqvarna, 6:25:38 +6:20
3. Franco Caimi (ARG), Hero, 6:25:44 +6:26
4. Daniel Sanders (AUS), GASGAS, 6:26:37 +7:19
5. Sebastian Buhler (GER), Hero, 6:29:36 +10:18

Source Red Bull Content Pool
Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Matthias Walkner has won the Silk Way Rally. Placing second on the fifth and final stage, Walkner extended his lead at the top of the timesheets to claim the race victory and finish over six minutes ahead of his nearest rival.
Round two of the 2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship was unfortunately cut short midway through the event due to the pandemic situation in Mongolia. Reduced to five stages, with riders repeating previously contested specials on the final two days, the race still delivered a sizeable challenge due to the mixed terrain encountered. 
Tuesday’s stage five was a re-run of the second day of the event. Although the special totaled 132km, times were taken from the 110km mark, presenting riders with an effective sprint finish to the event. First into the stage and enjoying a near five-minute advantage over the second-placed rider, Matthias Walkner (https://www.ktm.com/en-int/racing/our-heroes/matthias-walkner.html) still pushed hard through the tight forest tracks. With navigation less of a factor on the timed special, the experienced Austrian was able to maintain a fast, but safe pace over the demanding terrain. In doing so he finished the day as runner-up and increased his lead in the final event standings to six minutes and 20 seconds.  

Combined with his second-place finish at round one of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship – Rally Kazakhstan – Walkner moves into the lead of the series standings with a 21.5-point advantage over the second-placed rider.  

Matthias Walkner: “The final stage here was really nice to ride. It was the same as day two, but instead of making it rougher, it seems the cars and trucks prepared it quite well for us today. I really tried to push at the beginning, because I know the first part of the stage is good for me over the fast pistes. In the forest I thought I might have to ease off a little, but it rode better today, and I was able to push for the whole stage. It’s a shame the rally had to be shortened, but the organizers did a great job of giving us a full event to race. To win the famous tiger trophy here at the Silk Way feels amazing, and with my win here I’m now also leading the championship. I couldn’t have asked for a better result really.”  

Jordi Viladoms – KTM Rally Team Manager: “I’m really happy to return to the top step of a rally podium. It’s a great reward to Matthias and the whole team who have worked really hard for this. The bike has been perfect and performed really well on all the different terrain we saw here at the Silk Way Rally. Matthias is leading the championship now with a good advantage at the top, so we’ll try to keep this winning momentum going for the remaining rounds of the series.”  

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will next be in action at the Rallye du Maroc, in Morocco, from October 8-13. 

2021 Silk Way Rally – Provisional Results, Stage Five 
1. Daniel Sanders (AUS), GASGAS, 1:04:05  
2. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 1:05:21 +1:16  
3. Franco Caimi (ARG), Hero, 1:06:11 +2:06  
4. Skyler Howes (USA), Husqvarna, 1:06:54 +2:49  
5. Sebastian Buhler (GER), Hero, 1:06:54 +2:49  

2021 Silk Way Rally – Provisional Rally Standings (after stage five)  
1. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 6:19:18  
2. Skyler Howes (USA), Husqvarna, 6:25:38 +6:20  
3. Franco Caimi (ARG), Hero, 6:25:44 +6:26  
4. Daniel Sanders (AUS), GASGAS, 6:26:37 +7:19  
5. Sebastian Buhler (GER), Hero, 6:29:36 +10:18  

2021 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship – Provisional Rankings (after round two)  
1. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 57.5 points  
2. Skyler Howes (USA), Husqvarna, 36 pts  
3. Daniel Sanders (AUS), GASGAS, 32.5 pts  
4. Franco Caimi (ARG), Hero, 32 pts  
5. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 31 pts 

Source Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
©Rally Zone - KTM Media Library

Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team riders Adrien Van Beveren and Andrew Short have successfully completed the 2021 Silk Way Rally. Encountering a heavily revised racing schedule together with varied terrain, both riders overcame minor mistakes to enjoy the challenges of the Russian event on their Yamaha WR450F Rally machines. Following five days of action, Adrien claimed sixth overall with Andrew close behind in eighth.
The fifth and final day of racing at the Silk Way Rally was a re-run of the second stage that featured a mild revision to shorten the overall length to 110km. The special included the same mixture of terrain with hardpack dirt roads, sand, mud, and a forest section that required razor sharp focus in order to remain on track and in contention for a strong stage finish.

Bringing his time at the Silk Way Rally to a positive end, Adrien Van Beveren finished stage five as the seventh fastest rider through the shortened special. Completing the stage just over one minute adrift of the third-place rider, it was a strong performance from Adrien despite the terrain not quite being to the Frenchman’s liking. Overall, Van Beveren placed sixth in the final classification.

For Andrew Short, he also completed stage five in the top-10 with a ninth-place finish. Enjoying the enduro-style nature of the stage, just as he did on day two, Andrew rode confidently throughout the special to end the rally with a strong result. With the American losing a lot of time earlier in the week following a mistake while crossing a river, Andrew ended the rally in eighth overall.

The Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team will next be in action at the Rallye du Maroc in a few months’ time. The five-day event takes place in October with the team entering the race as part of its final preparations ahead of the 2022 Dakar Rally.

Adrien Van Beveren – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
“I enjoyed today’s stage, both with the terrain and also my riding. There wasn’t so much navigation today and it was something different to be riding fast through the woods. It was fun and I felt relaxed on the bike, which is something that I’ve been searching for this week. It’s been good to end with a positive ride. Because of the change to the schedule we didn’t go to Mongolia which is unfortunate, however, for me it was good to challenge myself on terrain that I’m not so comfortable on. This will make me a better rally rider so even if the result was not my best, I learned a lot this week with my riding and also the bike. Overall, it has been a positive experience for me at the Silk Way, it was great to be racing again, and I’m happy to have completed this rally.”

Andrew Short – Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team
“Today’s stage was the same as stage two so it was familiar, but the organisers had been around with a bulldozer to smooth it out, which was good as the trucks create some gnarly ruts that aren’t so much fun on a rally bike. It was little bit like a motocross track in places, which really suited me and then some enduro-style sections too, so it was cool to ride something a bit different during this rally. It was a shame that the race was shortened, and we didn’t get to ride in the desert in Mongolia, but I think the organisers did a great job to keep us racing and it was a good test for me and the bike. I have a few small things to work on now before we race again in Morocco and I’m really looking forward to that one. It’ll be in the desert and great preparation for the Dakar next January.”

Alexandre Kowalski - Yamaha Europe Off-Road Racing Manager
“Overall, it was good for the team to race the Silk Way Rally. Obviously, it was disappointing for everyone that the event schedule was revised as the stages in Mongolia looked to be true rally with dunes and the need for strong navigation. But we fully understand the situation and it was great that the event could still happen. For the Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team, it was good for everyone to be involved in a race so soon after Rally Kazakhstan. There is no substitute for competing and even though the race was shortened, it was good for bike set-up and for the team to be working together. It was unfortunate that Ross’ race ended when it did on day three as he was on the pace and riding really well. For Adrien and Andrew, I know both riders were looking forward to the stages in Mongolia and even though the race took place on terrain not really suited to them, finishing the race was important and the time on the bike was really valuable. We will now focus on the Rallye duMaroc later this year and by then we will have developed the bike further in preparation for the 2022 Dakar Rally.”

Source Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team