Transsyberia Rally 2008 powered by Sony Ericsson: 6th of August

Disappointed, but with understanding

Reactions from the drivers

The cancellation of the evaluation test by the organizer of the Transsyberia, Richard Schalber, has evoked different reactions amongst the drivers. Many drivers were disappointed, but voiced understanding for Schalber's decision.

"We had a lot of hope for this special test", said Suzuki Grand Vitara pilot Lars Kern after his arrival at Tjumen, this stage's destination. "We have a light and handy vehicle, and were hoping for an advantage from that. However I'm also glad about the cancellation, because it's not neccessary to get stuck in 3.3 feet of mudd."

The Spanish crew of the Porsche Cayenne Transsyberia struggled with the decision: "I'm an off-road driver, not a racer. I need difficult stretches. We would have all helped eachother, and would have certainly made it through.", said driver Pau Soler.

Regret on one hand, understanding and relief on the other, it was the same reaction for the Canadian Laurence Yap: "When I heard about the cancellation, I was very disappointed at first. We had gotten everything ready until 2 am, and had prepared the vehicle. The rally management made the right decision though. We all want to arrive in Ulan-Baatar."

For the co-driver of the Spaniard Carles Celma, Joern Pugmeister, who is a motorsport journalist, the organizer Richard Schalber was correct in his assessment of the situation. "The decision was right on the money. 33 cars would have sunk into the mud."

August 6th, 2007 4th stage Ekatarienburg – Tyumen (about 186 miles)

Special test canceled

We just received the official confirmation that today's special test with 21.7 miles within the stage from Ekatarienburg to Tyumen (about 186 miles) was canceled. Organizational manager Richard Schalber commented:"The Orga team needed 5 hours for the first 2.8 miles. With standard vehicles we would have never gotten through, but we certainly would have gotten stuck. The strong rainfalls of the past days has softened the ground tremendously, and the mud holes are at times 3.3 feet deep. The participants would have only managed to advance with the help of a winch. I couldn't have guaranteed that all vehicles which were stranded would have been recovered during daylight."

August 6th, 2007 pre 4th stage Jekaterinburg - Tjumen

Transsyberia has arrived in Asia

The Transsyberia arrived yesterday at the place where she belongs according to her name. The 66 participants reached the Asian part of Russia, Syberia, on Sunday. During this marathon phase from Kasan to Ekaterinburg the crews covered almost 621 miles.

After about 186 miles, the teams left the main street, and crossed over the Ural Mountains on side streets in a picturesque landscape. In sunshine and summery temperatures they passed cereal crops and fields of sunflowers, birch forests and remote villages. Many natives greeted the drivers and their unusual cars form the side of the street.

The drivers didn't have much time to enjoy the idyllic Russian countryside. Organizer Richard Schalber had asked the drivers to attend a briefing in the evening, in order to prepare them for the special training of the 4th stage. Not every team was able to take the appointment. The last vehicles arrived at the hotel around midnight. The fourth stage today will be about 186 miles, and go from Ekaterinburg to Tjumen.

A few miles after Ekaterinenburg they'll be coming to a 21.7 mile long cross country stretch.