Brothers Merdan and Shohrat Toylyev from Turkmenistan showed the best time in the tenth stage of the International “Silk Way” rally in the T2 class of serial SUVs, beating their closest pursuer Meylis Abdullayev by 25 minutes. In the overall standings, the Toylyevs increased their lead over Abdullayev to almost seven hours, the Silk Way Rally press service reports.

The standings changed dramatically after the ninth stage, when Maksatmyrat Danatarov, who was leading the race, failed to overcome a special stage and received a penalty at 21:00. This allowed Merdan Toylyev, the winner of the 2022 “Silk Way” rally in the T2 category, to take the lead. Meylis Abdullayev moved up to second place, more than six and a half hours behind, while Danatarov dropped to third, 14 hours behind the leader.

The tenth stage, 515,46 km long (special stage distance – 257,54 km), started in Mongolian Khovd and finished in Russian Kosh-Agach. The participants overcame foothills and rocky ridges, passed through the Valley of Lakes and drove along the dam of Lake Achit-Nuur. The stage ended with high-speed sections on the wide Mongolian plateau.

In Kosh-Agach, the race participants were greeted with festive events in accordance with the traditions of the peoples of the region.

The final stage of the rally will take place along a difficult route, starting on a mountain plateau with fast roads between snowy peaks. Then the route climbs to rocky sections that do not forgive mistakes and ends along the river bank. The final part will take place along the famous Chuysky Tract – one of the most picturesque roads in the world.

The ceremonial finish of the International “Silk Way” rally will take place on July 22 at Lenin Square in Gorno-Altaysk.

Only three Turkmen crews in Nissan Patrol vehicles are participating in the T2 series SUV category: brothers Merdan and Shohrat Toylyev (No. 214), Maksatmyrat Danatarov and Didar Orazmedov (No. 215), as well as Meylis Abdullayev and Italmaz Charyev (No. 216).