While MAZ-SPORTauto obviously would like to race the Dakar Rally again, Siarhei Viazovich stressed to TASS the team won’t cry to be let back in. He also noted that for a return to happen, the team’s demands are to be able to use Belarusian emblems again and compete as MAZ.

“My attitude is this: if you don’t want to see us there, you won’t. We won’t beg,” Viazovich started. “A return is only possible under the same conditions as before: that means with our coat of arms and flag, and our manufacturer, nothing else. I have no special illusions.”

The restrictions on using Belarusian insignia pertains to FIA policy implemented after the invasion of Ukraine by ally Russia in February 2022. Under the rules, Russian and Belarusian drivers must agree to condemn the war and to not use their respective countries’ flag on their gear and vehicles; in place of the latter, they may either have another nation’s emblems or compete under a neutral FIA banner. Russian rally raider Sergei Kariakin has said at various times that the FIA might overturn the policy after meeting with federation leaders like president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, though it currently remains in place.

MAZ’s absence from Dakar predates the invasion. They were supposed to run the 2022 edition, which took place a month before the so-called “special military operation”, but were ordered to turn back on their way to the race because of EU sanctions on Minsk Automobile Plant imposed in the wake of Belarus’ violent crackdown on protesters of the 2020 presidential election. The Minsk Automobile Plant is owned by the Belarusian government and builds vehicles for the military.

Team personnel have perhaps unsurprisingly stood by their employer and the government despite the suppression of their coworkers. In 2024, Viazovich described the protests at MAZ as “some kind of mania” and praised the military and police for how they handled it. Although he acknowledged his thoughts “may be harsh or unpopular,” he argued that “if our military and special services managed to keep the situation under control, then the methods were correct.”

MAZ attempted to get around the EU restrictions by signing up under the Belarusian Automobile Federation’s name but was barred from going to Saudi Arabia by French customs regardless. Viazovich added the ASO still holds the team’s entry fee and will only return it if sanctions are lifted.

While unable to race Dakar, the team still maintains operations at a similar scale in case they’re allowed back. In the meantime, that work is mainly for the Russian Rally-Raid Championship and Silk Way Rally. Viazovich battled for the overall lead at this year’s SWR before retiring from first place due to a crash. Pavel Murylev was MAZ’s highest finisher of seventh in T5 and 16th overall.

Featured image credit: Silk Way Rally