Martin Macík Jr. will be joined at MM Technology Factory Team by Michal Valtr as part of a new alliance between MM and Valtr Racing Team. The duo will race together as teammates at the Rallye du Maroc and 2027 Dakar Rally.

MM Technology Factory Team is the new banner for MM Technology’s, well, factory racing division. The new identity was unveiled alongside the MMT EVO5, which breaks away from its predecessors by being badged as an MM Technology truck rather than IVECO.

“Martin came up to me with an offer that really caught my attention,” Valtr explained. “We discussed it at home together with my father and uncle, and of course with Mom because she’s our main manager. We weighed up the offer and we’re really happy with it. For me, personally, it’s another step forward. It’s a kind of reward for the hard work and dedication that we’ve all put in, so I’m really glad about it. I’m truly excited about it and I can’t wait for the first real kilometers.

Valtr Racing Team has long been close to fellow Czech outfit MMT, with Valtr and his father Jaroslav racing MM’s trucks. Michal made his Dakar driving debut in 2024 before returning in 2026 with the EVO4, finishing sixth in class. Jaroslav was also involved as a team manager, while brother Jaroslav Jr. has worked with Aleš Loprais.

Whereas MM Technology Factory Team is the flagship team, the EVO5 will also be fielded by clients Valtorro Unlimited and Italtrans Racing Team. The new truck was supposed to debut at Baja Aragón in July before the race was postponed to September.

“We have a history together. Both our families and now our teams as well. The guys from Valtr raced with our MMT EVO1—both of them, Jarda and now Michal too,” Macík stated. “We want to keep moving forward, build new generations, and we believe the Valtr Racing Team crew has what it takes with Michal leading the way. We reached out, one thing led to another, and here we are. Together, flying the same flag—not exactly the same colors, but the same team.”

Featured image credit: Frédéric Le Floc’h / DPPI / ASO