Branch in flaming spirits -
Botswana’s motorsport sensation and2024 Dakar Rally podium finisher, Ross Branch, has clinched victory in Stage 1 of the ongoing Rallye du Maroc, currently held in Morocco. Branch, racing for the Indian-owned Hero MotoSports Team Rally, delivered a stellar performance, finishing first in the face of treacherous conditions that tragically claimed the life of a fellow rider. This victory sets the stage for what could be Branch’s first overall FIM Rally-Raid Championship title.
The Kalahari Ferrari’s dominance this season follows his remarkable Dakar 2024 performance, which has made waves across the motorsport world. “Ross Branch became the fastest rider of the stage, and with his victory, the Indian manufacturer has taken the lead in the race. Rallye du Maroc is the fifth and final race of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) 2024. Branch has held the top spot on the rankings table since the second race of the season,” stated Hero MotoSports in a press release.
Branch’s strong start at Rallye du Maroc solidifies his chances of securing the world championship title. Despite Stage 1 being particularly grueling, the Hero MotoSports team delivered impressive performances. Competing in the premier Rally GP Class, Branch, along with teammates Sebastian Bühler and Nacho Cornejo, finished the stage in 1st, 6th, and 8th places, respectively. After the first of five stages, Branch leads the overall Rally GP standings, with teammates Bühler and Cornejo in 6th and 9th places.
According to Hero MotoSports, Branch’s second-place finish in Sunday’s prologue allowed him to strategically choose a later start position for Stage 1. Starting 11th, Branch capitalized on this advantage, finishing 48 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. The first full stage of the 2024 Rallye du Maroc comprised 180 kilometers of timed racing and an additional 200 kilometers of liaison sections. Stage 2 will return to the originally planned route for Stage 1, covering 314 kilometers through the mighty Sahara Desert, along with another 158 kilometers of road sections, making it one of the longest stages in the rally.
Reflecting on his Stage 1 victory, Branch said: “I’m happy to have finished Stage 1 with a strong result. It was really tough—definitely one of the most challenging stages I’ve ever ridden at Rallye du Maroc! The tracks were badly damaged by the previous day’s rain, but I managed to pull through. Nacho did an amazing job opening the track, and I can only imagine how tough it was for him. Opening the stage tomorrow (Stage 2) will be a mammoth task, but we’re pushing forward with confidence.”
After Rallye du Maroc, Branch and Hero MotoSports will head to Saudi Arabia, where Branch is expected to be a strong contender for the championship title after finishing second to Ricky Brabec of the U.S. earlier this year. Now a national hero and world-renowned Rally Raid contender, Branch has the racecraft, speed, and determination to claim both a world championship and a Dakar Rally title. Meanwhile Branch managed to finish Stage two of the Rallye De Maroc in position five following tricky conditions which sees him still maintaining the overall lead. Stage three with two stages left will commence today (Wednesday).