Hero MotoSports Team Rally, representing Hero MotoCorp, secured an impressive seventh place overall in the Dakar Rally 2025. It is their second-best performance since joining the world’s most grueling rally nine years ago.
The team, consisting of riders Nacho Cornejo, Ross Branch, and Sebastian Bühler, made a promising start to the rally. Ross Branch, the reigning W2RC Champion, initially stormed into a strong position, finishing third in Stage one and maintaining his podium position until a crash in Stage six, forcing him out of the race. Sebastian Bühler also faced an early exit after a crash in Stage one, leaving Nacho Cornejo to carry the team’s hopes.
Chilean rider Nacho Cornejo showcased exceptional skill and determination, securing top-10 finishes across multiple stages and eventually clinching the seventh overall position. His consistent performance, especially in the later stages, highlighted his ability to navigate the challenging terrain and maintain a competitive edge. His result is a testament to both his individual talent and the team’s robust support system.
This year’s Dakar was particularly demanding, with extreme terrains, long stages, and adverse weather conditions adding to the challenge. The rally featured a total of 335 vehicles and 580 competitors from 52 countries, covering 7,700 kilometers across the Arabian desert. Notably, this edition saw FIM and FIA vehicles navigating separate routes for nearly half the distance, further complicating the race dynamics.
Weather disruptions, including sandstorms and dense fog, led to route adjustments and stage reductions, testing the adaptability of teams and riders. Despite these challenges, Hero MotoSports’ Hero 450 Rally bike performed flawlessly, completing the rally without any technical issues, underscoring Hero MotoCorp’s engineering excellence.
With the Dakar Rally behind them, Hero MotoSports is now focused on the upcoming Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in February 2025. The team aims to build on their Dakar experience, pushing for even stronger performances in future rallies.
What is the Dakar Rally?
The Dakar Rally is one of the most grueling and prestigious off-road motorsport events in the world. Originally known as the Paris-Dakar Rally, it was first held in 1978, spanning challenging terrains from Europe to Africa. Since 2009, the rally has been hosted in South America and later in Saudi Arabia. The event features a variety of vehicle categories, including motorcycles, cars, trucks, and quads, pushing competitors to navigate thousands of kilometers across deserts, mountains, and other extreme landscapes. Renowned for its demanding stages and harsh conditions, the Dakar Rally tests the endurance, skill, and resilience of both drivers and machines.
