Ross Branch makes history for Africa and his team

In a groundbreaking moment for African motorsport, Botswana's Ross Branch has become the first rider from the continent to win the World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC).

Representing Hero Motosports Team Rally, powered by Motul, Branch secured his historic victory on African soil during the Rallye du Maroc. His win not only elevates his own career but also solidifies Hero Motosports’ growing legacy as a powerhouse in the world of rally raid racing.

Impressive at the Dakar Rally

Branch’s path to the championship began with an impressive second-place finish at the 2024 Dakar Rally, one of the world’s most gruelling and prestigious off-road endurance events.

Riding a Hero 450, Branch crossed the finish line just 11 minutes behind the eventual winner, Ricky Brabec of Monster Energy Honda. His Dakar performance laid a solid foundation for the rest of the season, setting the stage for his ultimate triumph as the 2024 W2RC Champion.

Throughout the 2024 season, Branch’s consistency and resilience became the hallmarks of his campaign. While his Dakar podium was a career milestone, it was just the beginning.

He went on to deliver strong performances at each stage of the World Rally Raid Championship, showcasing not only his personal skill and determination but also the reliability and power of his Hero 450 motorcycle.

Supported by Hero Motosports and their key partner, Motul, Branch overcame the challenges posed by some of the world’s toughest terrains, from the deserts of Saudi Arabia to the rugged landscapes of Morocco.

Continuous development

Branch’s championship victory is not only a personal achievement but also a significant moment for Hero Motosports, which became the first Indian team to achieve a podium finish at the Dakar Rally.

The team's success is a reflection of their continuous development since their founding in 2016. Based in Jaipur, India, Hero Motosports Team Rally has grown to become a global force, attracting talented riders like Branch and advancing the technical limits of rally raid racing.

Branch’s journey to the top has been long and filled with passion for the sport. He began racing at the age of four and has since accumulated numerous accolades in his career. In addition to his Dakar podium finish, Branch has claimed two Dakar stage wins, seven victories in his home rally, the Botswana 1000 Desert Race, and his first World Championship victory in Kazakhstan in 2021.

With the W2RC title now added to his resume, Branch has firmly established himself as one of the elite riders in the sport.

What sets Branch apart is not only his talent but his love for the adventure and challenge that rally raid racing provides.

His enthusiasm for the sport mirrors the dedication of his teammates at Hero Motosports, who share his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in rally racing. For Branch, winning the World Rally Raid Championship is the pinnacle of his career, but his love for the sport ensures that he will continue to strive for even greater heights.

Branch’s victory is a source of pride not only for himself but for the entire African continent. Rally raid racing has traditionally been dominated by European and South American riders, but Branch’s historic win signals the rise of Africa as a force to be reckoned with in this demanding discipline.

His success also serves as inspiration for a new generation of African riders, who now have a champion to look up to as they pursue their own dreams in motorsport.