From 8th till 15th of July was held the 4th stage of Russian Championship in rally raid which was the part of the unique rally marathon “Silk Way Rally 2016”.

Latvian team "RE Autoclub" was represented by experienced crew from Russia with Alexander Terentyev and Alexey Berkut (Ford F150 Raptor SVT) who in 7 day intense fighting showed the best performance and won 1st place in the T2 class.

The start for Russian Championship and “Silk Way Rally 2016” was given in the  Red Square in Moscow where on podium climed 116 crews representing 30 countries.

A. Terentyev/A.Berkut all 7 competition days solidified its position in first place in T2 class and none of the special stages were not overtaken. There is no any doubts about our very experienced and awarded crew with A.Terentyev and A.Berkut who again has improved themselves and took convincing first place in T2 class. At the competition closing stages A. Terentyev got even 40 minutes lead, leaving behind K.Ivanov/A.Gorkov (Toyota).

The weather condition was not particularly successfully for rally drivers and there was a change at the route – 2^nd super stage was canceled, and as well the last 6^th stage – eas shortened, resulting in 1360 km instead of planned 1660 km long special stage.

Competitors had to show their professionality and mastery going through all 1360 km of special stages because of various road surfaces, and of weather conditions. But it wasn’t easy.. Total length of the longest 5th super stage was 820,75 km of which 568.24 km - special stage. Furthermore the conditions become increasingly difficult – weather + 38°C, but in the car temperature reaches + 60/+ 70°C and it is a serious test for everyone.

Competitors crossed approximately 4000 km of majestic landscapes of Russia and Kazakhstan, before arriving at the finish line in Astan, where at 15th of July was the Award Ceremony.

Before the race "RE Autoclub" had serious preparing for the competition by developing and improving racing car Ford F150 SVT Raptor to be suitable for both trips around the desert steppes and at the rain when the road surface is changed. Also, the machine is prepared with a special protection against the ingress of water, because several places on route included river crossing.

This was the penultimate – 4^th stage of Russian Championship, and the final stage will take place from 3rd till 7tf of September in the Astrakhan region, Russia, where will find out the winners of Championship.

The rally marathon “Silk Way Rally 2016” will continued till 24th of July. The total road length of about 10 000 kilometers, of which approximately 40% was also conducted in Russian Championship.

Photo gallery: www.reautoclub.com.