Exklusivní rozhovor s Karlem Lopraisem (inzerce) (2. strana)

An exclusive Interview with Karel Loprais Karel loprais is the six-time winner of the Rally Paris-Dakar. Since winning his last medal in trucks, he has been called Monsieur Dakar. He drove his first Dakar in 1986, eventually taking part in nineteen Dakar races. Mr Loprais, how did you, as a factory driving mechanic and test driver, become the racing driver for Tatra at the Dakar Rally? When Tatra decided to participate at the Dakar Rally, they invited the drivers who had had the greatest experience and skill in driving these trucks. As test drivers, we had enough experience so we won the competition. Did something in the first rally surprise you? No matter how experienced, you had not had the opportunity to drive the trucks in an environment as challenging as that before. We all had various opportunities to test the trucks in various locations worldwide, yet we had never before experienced what we faced during the first race. You cannot really get prepared for a rally like that in our country. How did you feel during the first race? My feelings were very, very ambivalent at the beginning of the rally in Paris. There were many people who came to see the start of the Dakar, not to cheer on the Dakar drivers but to see the Formula 1 racers who took part in the rally, too. The large audience was a great surprise too; we would have never imagined such a great number of people coming. Can you see a strong connection of the name Loprais with the brand Tatra and the city of Kopřivnice? I have worked at Tatra for all my life. My wife comes from Kopřivnice; we both have strong bonds to the city. 112 ǀ POSITIV 4/2020 As for the connection of Loprais family and Tatra trucks, it makes me really happy. I have dedicated nearly all my life to the company, so it does feel very nice. You have travelled most of the world. Which place do you like remembering the most? Most of all I have enjoyed South America where I went as a member of the support crew. I will also never forget Africa: driving in the Sahara is a very unique experience. Your nephew, Aleš, now walks in your shoes. Did you advise and instruct him when he was a beginner at the Dakar Rally? We went to my last rally together: Aleš was my codriver and navigator. I injured my spine, so we did not finish the race. Aleš has been racing ever since. He knew what he was getting into. He learnt a lot when racing with me. In his first race, he came third in trucks, and they were a minimal crew of two. Do you still participate in events related to the Dakar Rally. Do you give training sessions? No, not any more; the guys work on their own. Aleš is very skillful; he does not need my instruction. I mostly attend promo events. Do you follow Dakar? I sure do. I spent a large part of my life there. I cannot just put it aside. It is a serious affair of my heart. Thank you for the interview.