Ross Branch Finishes Prologue in Second Place
Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport division of Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has kicked off its participation in the 47th edition of the Dakar Rally. This marks Hero MotoSports’ ninth consecutive appearance at the prestigious and toughest race in the world.
The team, featuring an impressive line-up of three Rally GP class riders – Ross Branch, Sebastian Bühler, and Nacho Cornejo – set a positive tone for the rally with a strong performance in the Prologue stage. The short yet demanding 29 km stage saw Ross Branch, the defending FIM World Champion, finishing in second place, a remarkable result that energised the team’s momentum for the upcoming stages. His teammate Sebastian Bühler secured the 9th fastest time, while Nacho Cornejo crossed the finish line in 20th place, all within the highly competitive Rally GP class.
An Optimistic Start for Hero MotoSports
The Prologue is often a critical stage for setting the tone for the rally, with each rider needing to showcase both speed and endurance in the face of tough conditions. For Hero MotoSports, the team’s strong showing highlighted not only the exceptional skill of their riders but also the robustness of their bikes, specially tuned for the extreme demands of the Dakar.
“The Prologue has set a promising start for us,” said Rajat Bhargava, Team Principal of Hero MotoSports Team Rally. “Ross, Sebastian, and Nacho have delivered great results despite challenging conditions. Their performance sets us up for what we hope will be a successful rally ahead. We are confident that with our experienced riders and powerful bikes, we are ready to tackle the challenges of Dakar 2025.”
The team’s performance also demonstrates the importance of teamwork, preparation, and adaptability. Hero MotoSports has consistently shown that their riders and support staff work seamlessly together, fine-tuning every aspect of their approach to ensure peak performance.
Challenging Conditions Ahead
Dakar 2025 officially began with 335 vehicles on the start line, following the successful completion of administrative and technical scrutineering. Among the 580 competitors, there are 134 motorcyclists, including 21 top-tier riders in the Rally GP class and 113 in Rally 2. The race has already proven to be a formidable challenge, with strong winds and sandstorms in the Bisha region, adding extra difficulty even before the start.
This year’s Dakar rally is set to span 12 stages, covering a staggering 7,700 kilometers through the vast Arabian desert. A notable feature of this year’s rally is the separation of FIM and FIA vehicles for almost 45% of the overall distance. This shift will test both the endurance and adaptability of the competitors as they navigate various terrains. Among the upgraded challenges is the return of the 48-hour Chrono stage. This gruelling two-day event forces competitors to shut off their engines at sunset, surviving alone in the desert’s isolated areas until dawn. It will be one of the most demanding parts of the race, requiring riders to exhibit exceptional self-reliance and determination.
Looking Forward to Stage 1
Stage 1, a challenging 500 km loop to the south of Bisha, is expected to test the endurance and skill of all participants. With a mix of sandy, rocky, and stony surfaces, the stage will push riders to their limits as they adapt to the varying conditions of the desert. The varied surfaces will demand maximum focus, as even the smallest mistake can cost valuable seconds or result in technical issues.
The Hero MotoSports team is eager to maintain their momentum as the Dakar Rally 2025 unfolds, and the journey ahead promises to be as thrilling and demanding as ever. With experienced riders, expert support crews, and strong teamwork, Hero MotoSports aims to push forward through the stages and take on the harsh desert terrain with confidence.
Stay tuned for more updates as the team continues their pursuit of victory at the Dakar Rally 2025.
