14

 PRESS RELEASES

RACE SCHEDULE TRUCK RACING 2012

Istanbul  11/05–13/05
Misano  18/05-20/05
Albacete  08/06-10/06
Nogaro  22/06-24/06
Donnington  29/06-01/07
Nürburgring  13/07-15/07
Smolensk  27/07-29/07
Most  31/08-02/09
Zolder  21/09-23/09
Jarama  05/10-07/10
Le Mans  12/10-14/10

Lacko: Mario makes our team the favourite

(31.05.2011)

The twenty-six-year old Adam Lacko has become our new weapon in the upcoming battle for the title of the European champion. We have welcomed an equally ambitious and a young pilot. As a Czech team we wished to have a Czech driver among us. The native of Čeladná should be an excellent choice because just like ours, his goals are not small. And what are his views exactly?

Adam, the season is perhaps not going to be an easy one, right?
Certainly not. I’m realize that it’s going to be a hell of a season. I’ll have to work hard, fight and then we’ll see what’s going to come out of it. The team and the cars are built so that it’s literally their homework to place no worse than on the fifth spot in the overall championship ranking. It will definitely be a success for me if I make it to the winners‘ podium, that means the best three. And in the season after I’m going for the title.  

 So this year’s goals is going to be winning one of the events?
Precisely, the goal cannot be reached otherwise. We’re about to see the development in the course of the season. We’re at the beginning now and I don’t want to jump into conclusions. Anyway, I want to set myself challenging goals.  

All three drivers from your team have the same cars, so nobody can complain about disadvantages, can they?
That’s a good thing. And there are several perks to it. Thanks to the fact that Mario has constructed three identical trucks we can try out and test more things at the same time. That’s also the reason why he tries to put similar equipment and materials in them. When the cars are later tested, he has the chance to make a different kind of change to each of the cars so that he is able to assess and compare which is the most suitable solution. And it’s also a sign for us that he’s giving us the best. But he requires us to give out our best in return. Nobody can talk their way out of anything. We‘re all aware that everyone around here wants to be the winner.  

How do you feel about the new Renault?
I’m very happy with the machine. I’ve taken part in several tests so that it’s not the first time for me in the car. Gradually, I’ve also adapted it to my needs. It’s just great that there’s the opportunity to fine-tune details on it. The car is fast and we’re still speeding up. What else can you wish for?  

You’ve already piloted a MAN, a Tatra and a Buggyra. Can you draw a comparison between these?
That’s just impossible. The car is developed every year. I could make the comparison during the given season because then the technology moves forward and improvements are made. God knows what, let’s say, MAN have come up with today. All cars are basically the same, they drive forwards, backwards, they have brakes and a gearbox. And so all comes down to how you tune it. Who’s capable of realizing better ideas, of course everything within regulations.  

When was the first time you were contacted by the MKR Technology team?
We first got into touch after the last year’s event in Most. This team won the constructors‘ trophy last season, so there wasn’t much to think about. I dare say that thanks to Mario Kress, there’s no better team in the series. Therefore I’m really happy that I got a shot at racing with him. I also know that I have to make the most out of this opportunity and I don’t want to disappoint the expectations he has from me.  

How long have you signed up for and what if there is an offer from another branch of motor racing next year?
Technically, the contract is for two years. However, if I got an offer from a good GT1 team, I’d probably consider it a little. My priorities for this year are crystal clear and I want to focus on truck racing and truck racing only. As I’ve said – I’m not going to finish worse than on the fifth spot this year, the podium would be a dream come true and the target for next year are the top ranks.