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.

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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.