Buggyra ZM Racing is entering a new chapter in its Dakar history. Starting with the 2027 Dakar Rally, the team will compete in the truck category with Mercedes-Benz, marking the launch of a new multi-year rally-raid project with the support of the global brand.
-- The program is the result of a long-standing relationship between Buggyra and Mercedes-Benz and its regional representatives across several countries and on multiple levels.
The new project will see Buggyra develop and operate Mercedes Zetros competition trucks for long-distance rally events, with the first major target being the Dakar Rally in January 2027 and Africa Eco Race in January/February 2027.
The project was officially launched on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Le Mans, during a special presentation held as part of the legendary 24 Heures Camions weekend at the Bugatti Circuit.
Šoltys to lead the Dakar line-up
The new Mercedes-Benz project will be spearheaded by Martin Šoltys, one of Buggyra's most experienced Dakar competitors, who has also recently taken on the role of Technical Director for trucks. The Czech driver, an eight-time Dakar participant, will bring extensive rally-raid experience to the development and competition program.
Šoltys will be joined by Téo Calvet, one of Europe's leading young truck racing talents. The Frenchman is a four-time French truck racing champion, a Buggyra France Academy driver and a brand ambassador for Daimler Truck France.
Calvet gained his first Dakar experience in 2026 and will now continue his development in the discipline as part of Buggyra's new Mercedes-Benz program alongside the experienced Šoltys. The original cooperation already brought together Calvet, Buggyra and Daimler Truck France, with Daimler Truck France supporting the project.
Aliyyah Koloc will complete the driver structure as the project's designated test and reserve driver. After four Dakar participations for Buggyra ZM Racing in the T3 and T1+ categories, Koloc brings extensive off-road experience as well as a strong truck racing background, having started racing trucks at the age of 15.
The partnership
Martin Koloc, CEO of Buggyra Organization, said: “Truck racing has been an important pillar of our racing activities since our beginnings over 50 years ago. Since then, we have won numerous championships in Europe, as well as in China and India. For more than a decade, we have participated in the Dakar Rally with our trucks, achieving 5th place overall in 2023. The Zetros is one of the best-known off-road trucks, so bringing Buggyra’s truck racing expertise and the Zetros together makes perfect sense. I am really looking forward to this project.”
Ulrich Loebich, President of Daimler Truck France, added: “We are very happy to accompany our brand ambassador in this new adventure. Téo is a great champion who does not shy away from any challenge. By tackling the legendary Dakar Rally, he is once again demonstrating his passion and determination. I am sure that with the Mercedes Zetros he will have an ally of choice, because our truck is now recognized as a reference in off-road racing worldwide.”
Launch event
The official launch took place at the 24 Hours Camions in Le Mans today and was attended by Buggyra Organization CEO Martin Koloc, Daimler Truck France President Ulrich Loebich, Buggyra drivers Téo Calvet and Aliyyah Koloc, amongst other guests and media representatives.
Buggyra ZM Racing will confirm its full 2027 Dakar driver line-up at press conference middle of November 2026.
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Contact Info:
Name: Buggyra Organisation
Email: Send Email
Organization: Buggyra Organisation
Address: La Villa 19, Galerie Charles III, 98000 Monaco
Website: http://www.buggyra.com
Release ID: 89204500
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