Hero MotoSports Achieves a Stunning Top 5 Finish in Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

Hero MotoSports is an Indian motorcycle racing team that competes in rally events globally. They have achieved multiple podium finishes and are known for their perseverance and determination in challenging environments.

In the 2023 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Ross Branch of the Indian squad Hero MotoSports placed strongly, taking fifth place overall in the Rally GP division.

The competition functioned as Round 2 of the World Rally-Raid Championship after Dakar 2023. Moreover, it marked the two-year absence of Indian privateer Ashish Raorane from international competition. In the Rally 2 division, he came in 11th place overall. Ross Branch and Sebastien Buhler were the two riders that Hero MotoSports entered in this year's Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Nevertheless, a mechanical problem in the first stage itself forced Buhler to retire.

Ross Branch wins for Hero MotoSports

Ross Branch and Sebastien Buhler were the two riders that Hero MotoSports entered in this year's Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Nevertheless, a mechanical problem in the first stage itself forced Buhler to retire.

"I was having a great time riding my bike throughout the first stage. I had a mechanical issue after about 100 kilometres and had to wait a long time for help to take the bike out", according to Buhler.

Rally GP riders are not permitted to rejoin the race under the new regulations. At that point, Buhler's reign came to an end.

Ross Branch performed far better than the other competitors, posting the third-fastest time of the day. He really gave Hero two stage victories after placing third in Stage 4 as well. Branch finished fifth overall with a timing of 17 hours 19.56 minutes after five stages and more over 17 hours of cycling across the desert, just over 6 minutes behind rally champion Adrien Van Beveren.

Branch said - Abu Dhabi 2023 has been a terrific experience. Even though I would have loved to be on the podium, I am quite delighted with the outcome. This week I and the bike made a lot of progress in the proper directions, and I am so glad about that.

Ashish Raorane

Ashish Raorane, one of India's most well-known privateer riders, made his return to international competition in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge after a two-year absence.

To successfully cross the finish line, he overcame a number of mechanical and physical difficulties, including rupturing his bicep after falling in Stage 3. In the Rally 2 division, he came in 11th place overall.