Hero MotoSports Sparks Rally Raid Portugal with Exceptional Stage 1 Performance

​Hero Motosports Team Rally has showcased an exceptionally strong campaign at the Ultimate BP Rally Raid Portugal. The Indian-origin rally racing team has delivered a strong performance in the opening stage of the Ultimate BP Rally Raid Portugal, the fourth round of the 2025 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). The team showcases high power through Stage 1 with remarkable grit and technical prowess.

The Grândola terrain offered no favorable conditions, demanding sharp navigation and resilience from the world’s best riders. Even the Hero MotoSports riders battled high-speed dirt tracks and sandy challenges to impress both the crowd and competition, underscoring their relentless pursuit of excellence in the global motorsport arena.

Impressive Results in the Opening Stage

The results were outstanding for the team in the opening stage of the racing event. Hero MotoSports, representing the world’s largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer, showcased impressive form with riders competing in the premier Rally GP class. The most successful rider, Ross Branch, manages to secure the 4th fastest time overall. His teammate and the new rider of the Hero team, Tobias Ebster, was also able to finish in the top ten, showing his remarkable performance.

While Nacho Cornejo, dubbed ‘Mr. Dependable,’ showed steady adaptability despite the tricky Portuguese terrain. At the end of the day, he managed to finish 14th. Moreover, in the Rally2 category, Tobias has once again impressed everyone by finishing 3rd in the standings.

Also Read: Hero Motorsports Shines Bright at 2025 Rally Raid Portugal, Aiming for New Heights in World Rally-Raid Championship

Intense Stage 1 Highlights

The opening stage of the race was a challenging phase. The stage comprised a formidable 425 km loop around the Grandola racing circuit, demanding about 240 km of racing against the clock. Riders navigated sections combining high-velocity dirt tracks and technical sandy stretches before charging towards a thrilling 5 km prologue route run in reverse. Furthermore, Stage 2 will take competitors from Grandola to Badajoz.

Hero Riders Reflect on Stage 1

Ross Branch said that Stage 1 was a fantastic day, but also very exciting. The navigation was not very difficult, but there were plenty of tricky spots. Overall, it was a great day. Then he said that he wants to thank the entire Hero Motosports team for their hard work over the past couple of months to get the bike to perform so well.

Tobias Ebster highlighted the surging confidence within the squad after a crash-free, mistake-free run in the top-tier company. Nacho Cornejo acknowledged the ongoing challenge but remains optimistic as he continues adapting to the course.

He said, “Today was not my best day, but not a bad one either. I am still getting used to this terrain, which is not exactly my strength. However, I am working on improving my pace day by day. So I have to keep pushing to do my best in the upcoming stages.”

Stage 1 Classification Tables

​Provisional Classification of Stage 1 (Overall)

Provisional Classification of Stage 1 (Rally2)

Looking Ahead

Stage 2 will elevate the intensity, leading riders from Grândola to Badajoz over a challenging 655 km route, including a 429 km timed special. As the rally caravan enters Spain, Hero MotoSports rides with heightened momentum, fighting for top honors across the championship.