MKR opens the Dakar with bronze medal

3.1.2017

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A podium position after the very first stage. MKR Technology drove into the 38th Dakar Rally in a fantastic manner. The introductory short special brought Martin van den Brink on a Renault Trucks machine from the Czech technology centre a valuable bronze medal. The success is shared by the Roudnice based mechanic Daniel Kozlovský.

            “Every beginning is always full of expectations and fear in equal measure. Everyone wants to succeed and naturally, put up the best possible performance. A podium result is sensational. Differences are minimal and unsubstantial, though it is always better to start the next stage from front positions,” said the beaming Mario Kress, chief constructor and author of the MKR Adventure project.

            This year’s rally opened with a historical debut in Paraguay. Although the local temperature reached forty degrees Celsius, the crews did not get a chance to get hot, as the route took them to Argentina after a few kilometres. As part of the first stage from Asunción to Resistencia they had to tackle a total of 450km, with only 39km comprising the special. The special stage was dominated by the Czech pilot Martin Kolomý on a Tatra, who crossed the finishing line in half an hour. The Dutch van Genugten on second place lost by a 13 second margin and his fellow countryman Martin van den Brink of Mammoet Rallysport and his Renault finished the section only 25 seconds later.

            In his Dakar debut it was Gert Huzink and his Renault machine of the allied Riwald team who gave an excellent performance. He finished on thirteenth position, losing only a minute and half on the winner. Another minute later arrived the third pilot of the Židovice special Pascal de Baar and occupied seventeenth place. “We’re definitely happy with the opening stage. The trucks are working great and Gert prepared a nice surprise for us. After all, this is only hus second big rally on our truck. I believe that with joint forces we’ll be able to maintain not only the great mood also in the bivouac, but also solid positions in the ranking,” smiled Mario Kress with content.        

            The second racong day in South America is about to get far more exhausting. On the route from Resistencia to San Miguel de Tucumán the crews will have to tackle over eight hundred kilometres, out of which 284km comprise the special.

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