Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport arm of Hero MotoCorp, has strengthened its international line-up with the addition of South African rally-raid rider Michael Docherty. The move marks a significant step in the team’s long-term strategy to compete at the highest level of global rally-raid events.
Docherty, widely regarded as one of the most consistent performers in the Rally2 category, will make his debut for the team at the upcoming Desafío Ruta 40. The event is the third round of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship 2026 season and serves as an important platform for riders aiming to step up to the elite RallyGP category.
The 31-year-old rider brings with him an impressive record. He holds the distinction of securing 37 stage wins in Rally2, the highest in the category’s history. His performances have often placed him ahead of even top RallyGP contenders in individual stages, underlining his speed and technical skill.
Born in Johannesburg on July 29, 1994, Docherty began his motorsport journey in motocross. He competed extensively across South Africa, the United States, and later the United Arab Emirates, where he has been based since 2016. A three-time representative of his country at the prestigious Motocross of Nations, he transitioned to rally-raid racing in 2021. His impact was immediate, winning the Rally2 category at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in his debut appearance.
Since the inception of the World Rally-Raid Championship in 2022, Docherty has steadily built a strong reputation. Competing with teams like BAS World KTM and SRG Motorsports, he secured a third-place finish in the 2025 Rally2 World Cup. His consistent results have made him one of the most promising riders ready to transition into a factory team setup.
For Hero MotoSports, this signing reflects a clear vision. The team has been expanding its global talent pool while preparing for a strong campaign at the Dakar Rally 2027. With Docherty’s addition, the team aims to combine experience and emerging talent to strengthen its competitive edge.
Team Manager Wolfgang Fischer expressed confidence in the new signing, highlighting Docherty’s speed, discipline, and work ethic. He noted that the rider has consistently demonstrated the qualities needed to evolve into a top RallyGP contender and contribute meaningfully to the team’s future success.
Docherty, meanwhile, described joining Hero MotoSports as a major milestone in his career. Becoming a factory rider has long been one of his key goals. He emphasised his excitement about working with a team that has already proven its strength on the global stage and expressed commitment to achieving shared ambitions.
Hero MotoSports has been steadily building momentum in recent years. The team achieved a historic milestone with Ross Branch winning the World Championship in 2024. It has also expanded into the Rally2 category, nurturing emerging talent through structured development programmes.
The team’s Rally2 journey began at the 2024 Desafío Ruta 40 with Peruvian rider Ramiro Barco Oliva. This was followed by a strong showing from Austrian rider Tobias Ebster, who secured the team’s first Rally2 stage win at the 2025 South African Safari Rally and finished runner-up in the Rally2 World Cup.
With Michael Docherty now joining the ranks, Hero MotoSports Team Rally appears well-positioned to push its ambitions further. The blend of proven performance and strategic planning signals a determined effort to establish itself among the top teams in global rally-raid racing
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