Stage 8 of the Dakar Rally 2023 in Saudi Arabia was a triumphant one for Hero MotoSports Team Rally, with Ross Branch clocking the fastest time and winning the stage for the Indian manufacturer. This makes it Hero Motorsports’ second stage win at the Dakar 2023, a rally that has been an action-packed one so far.
Ross Branch finished Stage 8 with the fastest time, securing a second Dakar Stage win for himself, and for Hero MotoSports Team Rally. Sebastian Buhler also finished in the top 10 positions, in 6th place, just 8 minutes behind Ross. Meanwhile, Franco Caimi inished the stage in the 16th position in the Rally GP class. Stage 8 was an 824km long ride from Al Duwadimi to Riyadh, of which 346 kms formed the special section, following the cancelled Stage 7. In terms of the overall standings, Franco Caimi is currently in 15th place overall, while Sebastian Buhler and Ross Branch follow him in the 18th and 20th positions respectively. The riders will now enjoy a rest day following which Stage 9 of the Dakar Rally 2023 will be flagged off on January 10, the stage being a 686km dash eastward to Haradh.