Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, Hero MotoCorp, completed the first of the twelve stages of the world’s toughest rally delivering an impressive result. Competing in the premier Rally GP Class, the two Hero riders Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo successfully navigated the challenging terrain, securing top-10 finishes and setting the tone right for a promising rally campaign.
Ross Branch, fresh from his podium finish at the Prologue, continued his impressive form, crossing the finish line with the third-fastest time in Stage 01. The Botswanan hero looks in great rhythm and looks poised for a strong rally campaign. His teammate from Chile – Nacho Cornejo also delivered a solid performance, securing the 9th position.
Sebastian Bühler’s Dakar campaign came to an abrupt end today after an unfortunate crash at km 68, leaving him with a shoulder injury. The Portugal athlete was looking in great form and finished in the top 10 yesterday, but will now focus on his recovery. His teammates Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo will carry the team’s flag forward in the rally.
Following a steady start at the Prologue, the Dakar Rally contenders tackled their first full stage today, departing as early as 5 AM. The 500 km loop, situated in the desert south of Bisha, pushed riders to their limits. The inaugural full stage of the Dakar 2025 was a mentally and physically draining experience, signaling that this year’s rally will be a true challenge, even for the most seasoned competitors. The stage featured a diverse range of surfaces, including treacherous sand, rocky, and stony terrain, demanding constant adjustments in speed.
Tomorrow, competitors will embark on the highly anticipated 48-Hour Chrono Stage. As soon as the clock strikes five, riders will be required to stop at the nearest of six designated rest areas, where they will be completely isolated from the outside world. With no team assistance or external support, competitors will rely solely on their own resources, preparing their own meals and setting up camp under the desert stars. The following morning, they will resume their journey north of Bisha, tackling diverse and challenging terrains. This will be the first time FIM and FIA specials will take place on separate courses. This ultimate test of endurance and performance demands competitors to tackle 1,000km of unforgiving desert terrain in just 48 hours.
1. Daniel Sanders Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 04hr 41m 27s
2. Ricky Brabec Monster Energy Honda Team + 02m 04s
3. Ross Branch Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 02m 26s
9. Nacho Cornejo Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 18m 09s
DNF Sebastian Bühler Hero MotoSports Team Rally —
Provisional Rankings – Overall Classification
1. Daniel Sanders Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 04hr 58m 18s
2. Ricky Brabec Monster Energy Honda Team + 02m 22s
3. Ross Branch Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 02m 38s
9. Nacho Cornejo Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 20m 48s
DNF Sebastian Bühler Hero MotoSports Team Rally —
(PRESS RELEASE)
(Edited by India.com Sports Desk)
