Branch and team conquer World Rally GP
A month and a half following his impressive runner-up finish at the Dakar, Ross Branch (Hero MotoSports) has once again showcased his prowess, this time clinching the runner-up spot in the Rally GP category in Abu Dhabi. His remarkable performance not only propels him to the summit of the World Rally GP championship but also establishes him as a force to be reckoned with, standing 12 points ahead of reigning 2024 Dakar Rally champion, Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda).
Furthermore, Branch’s talented teammate, Aaron Mare's stellar victory in the Abu Dhabi elevates him to third place in the standings. The remarkable outing by Hero MotoSports Rally Team sees the Indian contingent surging ahead in the manufacturers' standings, surpassing the well established Honda team.
The next battleground awaits at the BP Ultimate Rally Raid, the third round of the 2024 season, scheduled from April 2nd to 7th in Portugal and Spain. Branch, the Dakar rally silver medalist, narrowly missed the podium, securing a commendable fourth-place finish in the last stage of the event. With his second-place finish in the Rally GP class at the Abu Dhabi race, Branch has amassed a total of 50 points, establishing himself as the leader of the 2024 World Rally-Raid Championship - a significant milestone for Team Hero MotoSports.
According to a press statement from Hero Motorsport this week, the Botswana rider affectionately known as the 'Kalahari Ferrari', demonstrated a strong start by clinching victory in the Prologue stage. Despite encountering a mechanical issue while leading the race on Stage 1, Branch exhibited resilience, navigating through adversity to ultimately secure multiple stage wins. The exceptional results achieved by Branch and his teammate underscore the dominance of Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport arm of Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters.
According to Hero Motorsport: “Their triumph at the 33rd edition of the prestigious Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge marks the team's first victory at a World Championship race, following their historic podium finish at the Dakar Rally in January 2024.” The statement continued: “In the Rally GP class, Aaron Marè's victory further solidifies Hero MotoSports' ascendancy, with the young South African delivering a phenomenal performance throughout the 6-day desert rally. Despite stepping in as a substitute for factory rider, Sebastian Buhler, who is still recuperating from his Dakar crash, Marè showcased his prowess by clinching stage wins, leading the race for four consecutive days, and ultimately securing a podium finish.” With Hero MotoSports accruing significant points from their victories, they have surged to the summit of the manufacturers' leaderboard in the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) 2024 - marking the first time an Indian manufacturer has achieved such a feat on a global stage.
“The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, renowned for its challenging terrains, proved to be a rigorous test for Team Hero, compounded by setbacks before the race even commenced. However, their resilience and determination propelled them to victory, setting the stage for the next challenge - the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid in Portugal and Spain. As leaders in both the Rider and Manufacturer rankings, the team aims to maintain their momentum and strive for even greater success.” In a statement reflecting on the rally, Branch expressed mixed emotions, emphasizing the satisfaction of securing maximum championship points despite setbacks. He lauded the team's efforts and expressed gratitude to all those involved, concluding with anticipation for the upcoming challenge in Portugal.