Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport division of the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, continued its impressive run at the Rallye du Maroc 2025, completing Stage 2 with solid performances across categories.

Competing in the premier Rally GP class, Nacho Cornejo showcased his growing rhythm and confidence, finishing the stage with the 5th fastest time of the day. Close behind was teammate Ross Branch in 6th, maintaining his steady overall pace. In the Rally2 category, Tobias Ebster once again demonstrated grit and consistency, securing 11th place overall and 3rd in Rally2.

After Stage 2, all three Hero riders remain firmly within the top 10 overall standings — Ross Branch in 4th, Nacho Cornejo in 8th, and Tobias Ebster in 10th, with Tobias also holding 3rd overall in Rally2.

Steady Progress and Tactical Riding

Cornejo’s Stage 2 ride reflected renewed confidence, as he handled the tricky mix of sand, rocks, and navigation challenges with composure. “I’m improving in both speed and feeling on the bike, and I’m quite happy with the progress. The goal is to keep pushing further up front,” said the Chilean rider.

Ross Branch adopted a measured strategy on the fast and rugged route, prioritizing consistency over risk. “I took it a bit easy today to avoid mistakes. The stage was fast and rough, but I’m happy to bring it home safely and look forward to pushing harder tomorrow,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Austria’s Tobias Ebster faced a tough day in extreme heat and difficult navigation zones but managed a strong finish. “It wasn’t easy today, but I’m glad to have reached the end safely. With three more stages to go, I’m ready to push for a better result,” he said.

Stage 2: Into the Heart of Morocco’s Desert

Stage 2 took riders on a 397 km loop around Erfoud, including 307 km of timed special. The course plunged deep into Morocco’s desert, traversing the Merzouga dunes and the Znaigui erg, with constantly shifting terrain that tested both skill and endurance.

With the rally caravan now based in Erfoud, the next three stages will loop around the city through the vast Drâa-Tafilalet region. Stage 3, the longest special of the rally at 323 km timed, promises to be even more challenging as the dunes grow taller and the terrain more unpredictable.

Provisional Classification – Stage 2 (Overall)

  1. Tosha Schareina – Monster Energy Honda HRC – 03h 28m 26s

  2. Ricky Brabec – Monster Energy Honda HRC – +02m 22s

  3. Daniel Sanders – Red Bull KTM Racing Team – +03m 45s

  4. Nacho Cornejo – Hero MotoSports Team Rally – +08m 38s

  5. Ross Branch – Hero MotoSports Team Rally – +09m 07s

  6. Tobias Ebster – Hero MotoSports Team Rally – +13m 20s

Overall Standings after Stage 2

  1. Daniel Sanders – Red Bull KTM Racing Team – 06h 49m 41s

  2. Tosha Schareina – Monster Energy Honda HRC – +00m 43s

  3. Ricky Brabec – Monster Energy Honda HRC – +04m 15s

  4. Ross Branch – Hero MotoSports Team Rally – +09m 40s

  5. Nacho Cornejo – Hero MotoSports Team Rally – +19m 26s

  6. Tobias Ebster – Hero MotoSports Team Rally – +24m 57s

Rally2 Classification (After Stage 2)

  1. Edgar Canet – Red Bull KTM Racing Team – 07h 01m 11s

  2. Michael Docherty – BAS World KTM Team – +05m 08s

  3. Tobias Ebster – Hero MotoSports Team Rally – +13m 27s

Hero MotoSports continues to underline its consistent performance on the global rally-raid stage, combining experience, strategy, and endurance to stay competitive against factory teams in both Rally GP and Rally2 categories. With four stages still to go, all eyes are on the Indian manufacturer’s squad as they aim for another strong finish at Morocco’s iconic rally.

Also Read: Hero MotoSports Finishes Rally Raid Portugal 2025 with Cornejo 11th

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