Silk Way Rally 2017

July 7–22, 2017

• The marathon rally spanned three countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, and China
• The route covered 9,599 kilometers, with over 4,000 kilometers of special sections
• 14 stages with special high-speed sections
• Participants from 35 countries
• 64 crews

The race began with a ceremonial start on July 7 in Red Square in Moscow, Russia. The rally concluded on July 22 in Xian, China.

Winners in the off-road cars category:

• 1^st place – Cyril Despres, David Castera (TEAM PEUGEOT TOTAL);
• 2^nd place – Christian Lavieille, Jean-Pierre Garcin (BAICMOTOR RACING TEAM);
• 3^rd place – Wei Han, Liao Min (GEELY AUTO COOPERTIRES TEAM).

Winners in the trucks category:

• 1^st place – Dmitry Sotnikov, Ruslan Akhmadeev, Ilnur Mustafin (KAMAZ-Master);
• 2^nd place – Anton Shibalov, Andrey Mokeev, Dmitry Nikitin (KAMAZ-Master);
• 3^rd place – Airat Mardeev, Aidar Belyaev, Dmitry Svistunov (KAMAZ-Master).

It was the first time that the Baicmotor Racing Team representing China’s BAIC off-road cars took part in the rally. In the trucks category, world-class Russian riders from the KAMAZ-Master team competed with all of the European grandees – De Rooy Iveco (Holland), Tatra (Czech Republic), and Mammoet Rallysport (Holland).

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation:

“I would like to commend the competition organizers for their excellent work. I am sure that such wonderful projects contribute to international humanitarian cooperation, strengthening friendship and mutual understanding. I wish you further success and remarkable victories.”

 

Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee:

“The Silk Way International Rally conceived by Gazprom contributes to strengthening friendship and expanding cooperation among our countries. Similar to the Europe – Western China transport corridor, the race passes through Russia, Kazakhstan, and China, connecting our countries.”

 

Vladimir Chagin, head of the Silk Way International Rally project:

“This year, the Silk Way Rally once again became a grand international celebration watched by millions of people around the world, as well as by Russian, Kazakh and Chinese fans who welcomed us wherever we went. This time, the race was even more difficult for the riders: the rain that followed us from Moscow posed another challenge. But we are happy that all the participants took it in stride, demonstrating the inherent courage of true athletes. I would like to thank both everyone who took part in this event and the team of organizers of the Silk Way Rally – it was a real race and an unforgettable adventure!”