Hero MotoSports Team Rally completed Stage 4 of the 2025 Dakar Rally with impressive results once again. After an intense start to the rally, young Chilean rider Nacho Cornejo achieved a remarkable feat, securing his first stage podium at Dakar 2025 with a 3rd-place finish. Although Cornejo struggled early on due to a prologue error, his exceptional navigation through the challenging rocky and sandy terrain helped him bounce back. His performance marked a significant improvement after the initial setbacks, demonstrating his determination and skill.
Teammate Ross Branch also showed strong potential, maintaining a steady performance throughout the stage. Branch led the race for a considerable portion of the 415 km special but faced a setback in the final 20 kilometres due to a critical error. Despite this, Branch finished 13th for the day, continuing to hold his 3rd position in the overall standings, showcasing his consistency in this demanding race.
Stage 4 was a marathon stage, requiring competitors to focus on endurance and strategy. The route started with volcanic terrains before winding through technical tracks and AlUla’s canyons. With the stage ending at the marathon bivouac, riders were not allowed outside assistance, making the 30-minute window for mechanical adjustments even more crucial for Rally GP riders like Cornejo and Branch.
As the rally progresses, both riders are positioned firmly within the top 10 of the overall standings — Cornejo in 9th and Branch in 3rd — setting the stage for a promising continuation. Stage 5 will bring more challenges with its mix of super-fast tracks and sandy terrain, marking a critical point in this year’s rally.
Provisional Rankings – Stage 4:
1. Daniel Sanders Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 05hr 10m 33s
2. Tosha Schareina Monster Energy Honda Team + 00m 15s
3. Nacho Cornejo Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 07m 49s
13. Ross Branch Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 19m 11s
