Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport division of Hero MotoCorp, delivered an impressive performance at the Dakar Rally 2025, securing 7th place overall—its second-best finish in nine years.
Chilean rider Nacho Cornejo led the charge, maintaining a top-10 position throughout the rally before securing 7th place in Stage 8 and holding onto it until the finish. His strong and consistent performance helped Hero MotoSports maintain its competitive edge despite facing setbacks.
The team started with three riders—Ross Branch, Sebastian Bühler, and Nacho Cornejo. Ross Branch, the 2024 W2RC Champion, had a promising start, securing 2nd place in the Prologue and a Stage 1 podium finish at 3rd place. However, a crash in Stage 6 forced his early exit. Sebastian Bühler also withdrew after a crash in Stage 1.
Despite these challenges, Hero MotoSports showcased resilience and reliability, with the Hero 450 Rally bike completing the grueling rally without any technical issues. The Dakar 2025, known for its extreme terrains, marathon stages, and unpredictable weather, tested competitors with sandstorms, reduced routes, and dense fog delays.
What’s Next?
Hero MotoSports now looks ahead to the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (Feb 21-27, 2025), determined to build on their Dakar experience.
Hero MotoSports Team Rally – Key Dakar 2025 Highlights:
✅ 7th place overall finish – Nacho Cornejo
✅ Zero technical issues with Hero 450 Rally
✅ Ross Branch podium finish in Stage 1 before early exit
✅ Toughest Dakar yet with unpredictable weather & navigation challenges
Team Reactions
Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager:
“Nacho’s 7th-place finish is an incredible achievement despite early setbacks. Our team’s resilience and flawless bike performance make us proud, and we are excited for the upcoming races.”
Nacho Cornejo, Rider:
“Dakar 2025 was a relentless challenge, but we fought hard to stay in the top rankings. Huge thanks to the team for their dedication—we’ll keep pushing for even better results!”
With its growing stature in rally racing, Hero MotoSports continues its journey toward the podium, proving its place among the world’s top racing teams.
