Moscow, Russia - The 2016 Silk Way Rally started on Friday at Moscow's Red Square with a huge entry of nearly 130 cars and trucks from 30 countries.
This year's 15-stage rally will cover 10 000km across across a vast tract of Russia, Kazakhstan and China, and is expected to finish in Beijing on 24 July, giving the competitors a new, adventurous view of the extraordinary scenery and cultures along the ancient Silk Road.
In a letter sent to mark the start of the rally, Russian president Vladimir Putin said the rally would test the skills, patience and resolve of both professional and amateur competitors.
According to rally director Vladimir Chugin, drivers will face lots of difficulties, including hot weather in Kazakhstan and poor road conditions. The International Silk Road Rally was first held in 2009, but this is the first time the route will cross the vast Eurasian steppes.
ANA