Hero MotoSports Team Rally delivered a strong performance at the opening stage of Dakar 2025, securing two top-10 finishes in the Rally GP class. Ross Branch led the team with a commendable third-place finish, while teammate Nacho Cornejo secured ninth place. However, the day was marked by a setback as Sebastian Bühler crashed out early, sustaining a collarbone injury.
The 500-kilometer loop south of Bisha tested riders with a mix of sand, rocky terrain, and stony tracks. Starting as early as 5 AM, competitors faced grueling conditions that required constant adjustments in speed and navigation. Ross Branch, fresh off a second-place finish in the Prologue, maintained his momentum, completing Stage 1 just 2 minutes and 26 seconds behind leader Daniel Sanders of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.
Cornejo, despite opening the stage from kilometer 20, navigated the demanding terrain to secure a respectable ninth place, finishing 18 minutes and 9 seconds off the leader. Bühler’s crash at kilometer 70 was a significant blow to the team. He hit a rock in a braking zone, resulting in a fractured collarbone that forced him to withdraw.
Stage 2 brings the highly anticipated 48-Hour Chrono stage, a grueling 1,000-kilometer test spread over two days. Competitors will stop at isolated rest areas without external support, relying on their own skills and resources to prepare for the next leg. The stage promises to challenge even the most seasoned riders, with diverse terrains and extreme conditions.
Branch expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “I made a couple of mistakes early on but managed to recover well. The bike performed flawlessly, and I’m ready to tackle the next stage.” Cornejo highlighted the mental toll of opening the stage but remained optimistic, focusing on consistent performance in upcoming stages.
Team Manager Wolfgang Fischer commended the riders for their determination despite the setbacks, emphasizing the team’s resolve to push forward in Bühler’s absence.
