Hero MotoSports Team Rally Shines in Morocco with Strong Performance

​Hero MotoSports has finally reached the fifth and final stage of the 2025 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), the Rallye Du Maroc. The Indian two-wheeler brand has really kicked off its campaign with a strong start. The team was racing with three factory riders, which included Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo in the premier Rally GP category and Tobias Ebster, the team's newest rider, competing in Rally 2.

Competing against the world’s best, the team registered a promising start, adding momentum to their season’s closing campaign and setting the stage for intense days of desert racing ahead. The 26th edition of Rallye Du Maroc serves as the W2RC season finale, presenting participants with challenging terrains, soaring temperatures, and high-stakes competition. Let’s check out how the team performed in the final rally race of the 2025 season.

Team Composition and Prologue Results

The rally started on Sunday with a 19 km prologue, where Ross Branch recorded the 7th fastest time in the opening stage, demonstrating a glimpse of the week with fierce competition. On the other hand, Tobias Ebster impressed his team with a 10th-place finish and third in the Rally 2 class, achieving a podium in Maroc. This podium finish represents a strong debut for the young talent.

The third rider on the grid, Nacho Cornejo, finished the stage race in 21st position. Thus, he needs more momentum to deliver strong results in the upcoming stages. Ross Branch, who is the most successful rider on the team, remains determined to bounce back and fight close to the season. While Nacho is eager to maintain his form and deliver strong results.

Rider Insights and Team Objectives

Speaking about the event in Morocco, Mr. Wolfgang Fischer, team manager of Hero, said, “After a few days of solid preparation in the south of Morocco, we finally kicked off the final round of the 2025 Championship here in Fez, the capital city of Morocco. We are looking forward to an intense few days of racing with long stages across classic Moroccan terrain.”

He later added, “All our riders are fit to start the race with full potential after having a tough race in Portugal just a few days ago. The season has not exactly gone the way we planned, but we are here now, fully prepared and focused on Dakar 2026 in January.”

Also Read: Hero MotoSports Grabs a Strong Finish at Rally Raid Portugal 2025 with Determined Performance

Event Overview and Stage Details

The 26th edition of the iconic Rally Du Maroc spans five special stages, covering a total distance of around 2,274 km. For the 2025 race edition, only 1,448 km will be placed under the timed section against the clock. Tomorrow’s Stage 1 will take competitors from Fez to Erfoud, covering an arduous 779 km, including a punishing 298 km special section.

Following administrative and technical checks, 229 vehicles were cleared for the rally’s start, including 116 FIM entries—with 11 Rally GP and 97 Rally2 competitors. The event is also recognized as the “mini Dakar,” previewing the drama and excitement of the January Dakar Rally in 2026.

Provisional Rankings-Prologue (Overall)

CarBike360 Says

The week promises demanding stages with a mix of rocky sections, dunes, and unpredictable weather. Hero MotoSports Team Rally remains focused on championship points and long-term goals, aiming to conclude the season with a statement performance and forward momentum into Dakar 2026.