Silk Way Rally 2018

July 20-27, 2018 (Russian part), and September 23-28, 2018 (Chinese part)

In 2018, the Silk Way Rally consisted of two parts: Russian (Astrakhan – Moscow) and Chinese (Xi'an – Alashan Zuoqi).

Russian part

• The route covered 3,488 kilometers, with 2,327 kilometers of special sections
• 7 stages with special high-speed sections
• Participants from 24 countries
• 65 crews

The race began on July 20 in the city of Astrakhan, with a ceremonial opening in the square next to the Astrakhan State Theater of Opera and Ballet, and concluded on July 27 in Moscow's Red Square.

Winners in the off-road cars category:

• 1st place – Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Timo Gottschalk (X-raid MINI);
• 2nd place – Nasser Al-Attiyah, Mathieu Baumel (Qatar WRT);
• 3rd place – Mathieu Serradori, Fabian Lurquin (SRT).

Winners in the trucks category:

• 1st place – Andrey Karginov, Andrey Mokeev, Igor Leonov (KAMAZ-Master);
• 2nd place – Airat Mardeev, Aidar Belyaev, Akhmet Galyautdinov (KAMAZ-Master);
• 3rd place – Anton Shibalov, Dmitry Nikitin, Ivan Romanov (KAMAZ-Master).

The Chinese team of Zi Yun Gang and Jun Song won in the T2 category.

The gas-fueled KAMAZ driven by Sergey Kupriyanov overcame every challenge and took 4th place in the general trucks category.

Chinese part

• The route covered 1,600 kilometers, with 800 kilometers of special sections
• 4 stages with special high-speed sections
• 51 crews

The race along the Chinese route started on September 23 in Xi'an and ended on September 28 in Alashan Zuoqi.

Winners in the off-road cars category:

• 1st place – Liu Kun, Pan Hongyu (SMG);
• 2nd place – Ao Rigele, Li Penghua (VKSO);
• 3rd place – Liu Yanggui, Sha He (BUGGY).

Winners in the trucks category:

• 1st place – Andrey Karginov, Andrey Mokeev, Igor Leonov (KAMAZ-Master);
• 2nd place – Eduard Nikolaev, Dmitry Nikitin, Akhmet Galyautdinov (KAMAZ-Master);
• 3rd place – Zi Rong, Liao Min, Dmitry Svistunov (KAMAZ-Master).

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation:

“The Silk Way Rally has always been a significant event for motor sports enthusiasts around the world. Overcoming difficulties and complex stages of the route, participants from Russia and other countries fully employ their professional skills, demonstrate stamina, team spirit and showcase the ultimate performance of their vehicles. They give sincere and rich emotions to numerous supporters who watch the rally closely and passionately support their favorite teams. I am certain that this year as well you will enjoy a breathtaking and spectacular competition. I wish participants the best of luck and the audiences an unforgettable experience.”

Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee:

“Russia and China are stepping up their strategic partnership, including in the oil and gas sector, and new projects and ambitious goals are ahead. The Silk Way International Rally is yet another testament to the successful cooperation between our countries.”

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

“Just recently, great football battles roared as 11 Russian cities did a wonderful job of hosting the World Cup. A few days later, athletes and crews from almost 25 countries went on a sporting voyage across Russia, launching the Silk Way Rally 2018. Together with our colleagues, we do everything we can to show the whole world our culture, our nature and our attitude to sports. I would like to thank everyone who helped us arrange this colorful sports celebration: sponsors and partners, governments, pilots, organizers, all participants. We strive toward one goal – to promote this sport and give it to people. Together, we will achieve great things, together we are strong!”