Melina Frey (RSA) answers journalist questions about the all-female #13 Team Suzuki entry. (Photo: Brian Ghidinelli) » More Photos

Rally Organizers Schalber Event GmbH held an official press conference this evening at the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski across the river from the Kremlin. All teams, personnel and press were invited to a tri-lingual translation marathon for the Russian, German and English-speaking participants. Head organizer Richard Schalber announced the final week of July 2009 will be the start date for next year's running of the TransSyberian rally plus the donation of a juicy grand prize by watch-maker Vorgard: two-of-a-kind custom timepieces made specifically for the winners of this event valued at $20,000. Is it foreshadowing that the orange of the watch face matches that of the Porsche Cayenne S TransSyberia edition? We won't know for sure until July 25th.

Ten drivers participated in the conference answering questions representing Suzuki, Joevito.com, Porsche and Teambucktou. Ryan Millen (USA) was asked jokingly if his 2007-winning father "made him" enter the race which received laughter from the crowd. Millen answered he was looking forward to the challenge of a marathon race and finished his comment with, "luck favors the prepared". They have considerable skills learned in Mexico and New Zealand but it will be difficult to teach new tricks to veterans like former WRC pilot Armin Schwarz (GER) or British Rally Champion Martin Rowe (GBR).

An organized dinner followed the press conference giving everyone a few minutes to relax, wish each other luck and turn in early. We have yet to escape from a Russian restaurant in less than two hours so keeping the dinner inside the hotel made things simple for people who have a lot on their minds. For the next two weeks, fatigue will be a major factor and tonight is the last chance for a fluffy bed and sweet dreams.

Final tallies after scrutineering are 34 teams representing 24 nations. There are many seasoned professionals, several first-timers and a host of semi-experienced teams. Some have their eye on first place but the top priority of most teams is simply reaching Ulaanbaatar. Easier said than done! Some teams haven't even reached the first stage yet and have already experienced drama. Team Great Britain has already been stopped twice by the Moscow police and begging and pleading had no effect on the second stop. When pantomimed that they were driving to Mongolia, the officer motioned back with his fingers that they would be walking to Mongolia. Through skillful negotiation and their charming British accent, the team was back on their way only a little lighter in the wallet. Multiple teams have already lost one of their two pre-paid credit cards they will use for cash during the event. If it's this hard to escape Moscow, there will be some interesting days ahead!

The rally kicks off tomorrow morning with the #1 Team USA car leaving the Red Square at 11:00am Moscow time (GMT +3, 8 hours ahead of Eastern). We will be providing coverage of the roll-off and first stage tomorrow.

Continue to Day 3

Got a question for Brian while he's in Russia or Mongolia with Porsche following the TransSyberia Rally? Email him HERE

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TransSyberia Rally 2008
Porsche NA

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If a team should experience complete and total GPS failure, can they finish? Tell us why.