Hero MotoSports Team Rally continues its spirited run at the Dakar Rally 2025. The team successfully completed the gruelling fifth stage, which included a tough marathon section, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Riders Nacho Cornejo and Ross Branch displayed exceptional performance in this stage. Cornejo secured his second consecutive podium finish, crossing the line with the third-fastest time, finishing less than two minutes behind the leader. Branch, after overcoming a navigation error the previous day, bounced back to secure a strong fourth-place finish. Both riders have maintained their strong positions in the overall standings, with Branch holding onto third place, while Cornejo stays within the top 10 at ninth.
The stage presented a demanding mix of super-fast tracks, sandy terrain, and stony sections. Spanning 428 km, it tested the competitors’ endurance and skill. After two consecutive marathon stages on January 8th and 9th, the team and other competitors are up for a well-earned rest day at Ha’il, allowing them to recover before the challenges of the second week.
The rest day marks a key moment in the rally, as the next stages will be even more difficult. With Stage 6 featuring 605 km of timed specials, riders will face longer stages and tougher terrain, including challenging hills, dunes, and sandy tracks. Despite the mounting challenges, both Cornejo and Branch are motivated and optimistic, ready to tackle the second week of the Dakar Rally with confidence.
Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s consistent performance positions them as strong contenders for the remainder of the race.
Provisional Rankings – Stage 05 – Overall Classification
1. Daniel Sanders Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 30hr 20m 15s
2. Tosha Schareina Monster Energy Honda Team + 07m 02s
3. Ross Branch Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 17m 48s
9. Nacho Cornejo Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 43m 50s
