One of Asias most grueling and distinguished motorsport events is back in the middle of sands of Taklimakan, northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The 21st Taklimakan Rally roared to life in Aksu Prefecture, drawing off-road racing teams and leading global rivals from around the world.
Find out more about the event with CGTN Sports Scenes Shen Xiang.The Taklimakan rally will run for 13 days, covering an overall range of approximately 5,183 kilometers.
The competition includes 10 special stages where racers will deal with a difficult mix of terrains.This years rally has actually drawn in 130 groups with a total of 233 rivals.
One is Martin Michek, who ended up 10th in the Dakar Rally in 2021 and 2024.
He enjoyed his time here and has full marks for the events company.
I think in general, the organization looks very good, Michek stated.
You understand, I was surprised at the paddock here, its so big, with many automobiles therefore numerous rivals.
I was like, wow, yeah, its a rather a big rally.
And I believe that I will enjoy this.
Since being founded in 2005, the Taklimakan Rally has developed over the previous 21 years into the longest and largest international cross-country rally in Asia.
It has been drawing worldwide racers from countries including the UK, France, the Czech Republic, and Spain.
Aliyyah Koloc stated she was drawn to the rally by its growing reputation.
Its really exciting to be here.
Its a two week long race, Koloc stated.
So its going to be something brand-new due to the fact that Ive never ever raced in China before.
There will be new lessons every day.
So far, its been very intriguing and Im really excited for the next two weeks.
Well, this race I heard a lot about it, and its one of the greatest races here.
So I enjoy doing tough races.
Ive been to the Dakar rally.
This is, I think, the next finest thing.
This is the 3rd year that Koloc has partnered with co-driver Sebastien Delaunay.
The two have actually formerly completed together in Dakar and the French navigator is up until now enjoying his time off the track in China.
Yeah I tried whatever.
The chicken feet were a bit strange for me, but I tried, Delaunay stated.
I live in Italy, so I like the food.
And yes I attempted a lot of things and we moved a bit and saw the landscape, likewise the mountain.
And when we came here on the flight, the view was fantastic.
The competitors will get to grips with the first stage on Wednesday with the rally set to conclude on June 1.