Despite a very packed calendar of off-road competitions, the Baja Russia – Northern Forest 2010 attracts quite a representative competition field. In the provisional list of entrants there're drivers on the FIA Priority list, winners of the FIA International Cup and World Cup, participants of the World Rally Championship, European Rally Champions and many more worth attention! And it was pleasant to know that in spite of a very busy motorsport schedule they preferred the Northern Forest Bajs to other possible events.

The group of "guests", who are going to fight for victory in the Russian event, will be definitely headed by one of the favourites of the Baja Russia – Northern Forest 2010 – Krzystof Holowczyc. This Polish driver is well renowned both in off-road racing and in rallying. On his account are several titles of his national rally championship, victory in the European rally championship 1997, 6th place on the WRC Rally of Poland 2009, and many more achievements. However, his records in rally-raids are more important, and there's one result that speaks for itself: in the Dakar marathon in 2009 Holowczyc finished fifth overall...

Behind the wheel of a diesel Mitsubishi Pajero the ground of the only snow-n-ice Baja will hit Italian Ricardo Garosci. In his own country this person is famous for being a politician, a former member of the European Parliament and now the counselor of the minister of Education of Italy. Cross-country rallying is his hobby in spare time, but he treats it professionally. As a proof for our words, in 2007 Ricardo won the FIA Cup in the Production category.

Of course, it won't be easy for the Italian to tackle the snow-and-ice surface. But just imagine, how even more difficult it will be for a Portuguese! So let's pay respect to Nuno Matos who thus decided to make a debut in the FIA International Cup. The reigning Portuguese champion in the T2 category is going to find here completely unknown for him conditions.
Unfortunately, is not able to take part in the competition the Organiser of the Hungarian Baja Zoltan Garamovolgiy. However we'll seem him at the race as our guest and will be able to "exchange experience"! Another potential participant missing from this year's entry list is Miroslav Zapletal, who's taken part in the Northern Forest Baja many times and was a regular prize-winner. Unfortunately, the Czech sportsman injured his back at the last Dakar marathon, and won't be able to take part in nearest events. Get well soon, Miroslav! You're always a welcomed guest at our race!

Daniel Saskin is only making his first steps in rally-raids – it's just his second season in off-road racing. However, he shouldn't be underestimated, because he has devoted more than 12 years to rallying. By the way, despite little experience in rally-raids, he's already taken part in the Dakar marathon in 2009.

Another Dakar participant, but much more experienced – is the Hungarian Balazs Szalay. In addition to numerous participations in the legendary marathon, last year he added victory in the Central European Zone Trophy for rally-raids to his tally.
Among our closest neighbours Aldis Vilcans must be mentioned. Last year Latvian crews were looked at as something exotic. However, from the first meters they proved to be very fast and dangerous rivals. That's why in the 2010 edition they're going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Foreign drivers are good, but Russian fans will come to cheer for their compatriots, especially since we have whom to be proud of. For example, Boris Gadasin, the two-times winner of the FIA International Cup (in 2007 and 2009), and Artem Varentsov, the winner of both International Cup and the World Cup in the Production category in 2009.

Further we could name all other drivers who without doubt will attract attention as well. All of them have achievements in rally-raids and big armies of fans, so not to offend some of them incidentally we suggest that you take a look at the provisional entry list. And you will agree – we're on a brink of an interesting fight!

It is very pity that not all of those, who had a desire, will not be able to compete in the race: crews from Greece, Spain and some other countries wanted to take part in the snow Baja, but couldn't make it happen. However, there's still some time left until the entries close, so some pleasant surprises are not excluded. Follow the news on our web-site!