Tiziano Siviero: “The risks we took were enormous”

I didn't see you on the entry list and yet you are wearing the Silk Way Rally stickers!

I am a Safety Delegate for the International Automobile Federation (FIA) as part of this competition. I'm following the journey aboard this Toyota Land Cruiser, equipped with a V8 engine, very useful for long distances.

Can't we take photos with you behind the wheel?

It's not my vehicle. In fact, it was rented by the organization and I was given a Russian driver. He doesn't speak or understand English, I can try though... (it's a fail).

It doesn't matter, let's still enjoy this pretty setting. Besides, where are we?

We are at the marathon stage bivouac in Kosh-Agach, Russia, near the border with Mongolia. It's a shame that the rally don't go there (diverted route due to Covid-19. Editor's note), because the Gobi Desert contains the most beautiful dunes in the world in my opinion. It's not a huge desert, but the landscape is astonishing, with lakes in the middle of the sand.

What does your job at the FIA ​​involve?

This role has existed for a long time in WRC and is occupied by Michèle Mouton (see Carpooling, Ah n°2178. Editor’s note). In rally raid, this position was invented this year. I am responsible for observing and noting possible security improvements. All this takes place within the framework of the arrival of the World Championship of the discipline in 2022. The organization is divided as follows: there is an observer to judge the race, a medical manager who must control the equipment of the ambulances and helicopters, as well as a security delegate, in this case me at the moment. I have to make sure that all security is world class. Given the youth of this position, we are putting in place specifications for the