Ross Branch continues to lead the 2024 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship after a successful showing at the Desafio Ruta 40 rally by India’s Hero MotoSports Team Rally. The team secured a top-five finish, with Branch maintaining his overall lead in the championship standings.
Highlights of Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s performance at the Desafio Ruta 40 rally:
1. Ross Branch holds a nine-point lead over Brabec in the championship standings.
2. Hero MotoSports Team Rally is second overall in the manufacturers’ standings.
The Desafio Ruta 40 presented a challenging course with a variety of terrains, including mountain ranges, stony river beds, and dunes. Despite the harsh winter conditions, both Ross Branch and Sebastian Buhler showcased strong performances, with Branch finishing fifth overall. Branch’s impressive finish helped him defend his championship lead, maintaining a significant advantage over his closest competitor, Ricky Brabec of Honda.
Taking the podium in Stage 2, Buhler finished seventh overall in the rally. The event also marked Jose ‘Nacho’ Cornejo’s debut with the Hero MotoSports team, as he transitioned from a six-year tenure with Honda. Cornejo expressed his determination to improve and deliver better results in upcoming races after finishing 12th in the rally.
Unfortunately, the team faced a setback when test rider Ramiro Barco had to retire due to a leg injury following a crash in Stage 3. Despite this, Team Manager Wolfgang Fischer commended the team’s performance and expressed optimism for the upcoming Rallye du Maroc in October 2024, the final round of the championship.
Hero MotoSports Team Rally is gearing up for the Rallye du Maroc, where they aim to close the 22-point gap to Honda in the manufacturer standings. With the championship finals approaching, the team is focused on fine-tuning their strategies and techniques for a strong finish in the 2024 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship.
Don’t miss out on the latest updates from Hero MotoSports Team Rally:
– Hero MotoSports Team Rally emerged victorious at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
