With the conclusion of the 2024 Rallye du Maroc, the FIM World Rally Raid Championship has also drawn to a close, marking a historic moment for Hero Motosports Team Rally. Ross Branch has claimed the prestigious rider’s title, securing Hero Motosports’ place in history as the first Indian manufacturer to win a FIM world trophy – an achievement that signals louder than ever, India’s arrival on the global rally stage.
Hero Motosports Team Rally had an extraordinary run in the 2024 FIM World Rally Raid Championship, with Ross Branch playing a central role in their success across all five rounds. From the outset, Branch established himself as a top contender, navigating a season full of challenges to keep Hero at the forefront of both the rider and manufacturer standings.
The season began with a landmark moment at the Dakar Rally, where Hero Motosports became the first Indian manufacturer to claim a podium finish. In the gruelling 8,000km rally, Branch’s remarkable performance, including two stage wins, saw him finish second overall. His resilience was especially impressive as he carried the team’s hopes alone after his three teammates were forced to retire due to injuries and mechanical failures.
Hero’s momentum continued at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, where Aaron Mare stepped in for the injured Sebastian Buhler and clinched Hero’s first win in a World Championship event. Despite suffering a mechanical issue, Branch battled his way to a fourth-place finish, securing enough points to take the overall lead in the rider standings.
Round three, the Rally Raid Portugal, proved more challenging. While Buhler earned his first W2RC podium with a second-place finish, Branch faced difficulties navigating the technical terrain and overcame a significant crash to finish sixth. Despite the setback, he maintained his lead in the championship standings.
In the fourth round, Argentina’s Desafío Ruta 40, Branch once again displayed his tenacity. Battling fierce competition and harsh winter conditions, he secured a top-five finish, holding onto his championship lead with a slim nine-point advantage heading into the final round.
The decisive moment came at the Rallye du Maroc. Branch opened the event with a stage win, while his closest rival, Ricky Brabec of Monster Energy Honda, suffered a knee injury and withdrew after Stage 1. With the path clear, Branch needed only to complete the rally to secure the world title. He did just that – managing his pace, staying focused on the finish line, and, although he didn’t push for an overall rally win, he walked away with the ultimate prize: the 2024 World Rally Raid Championship rider’s title. In doing so, Branch became the first African rider to win a FIM World Rally Raid Championship.
This victory also marked India’s first-ever FIM world championship, solidifying Hero Motosports’ position as a team to watch. While Honda claimed the constructor’s title, Hero became only the sixth manufacturer in history to have a rider win a FIM World Championship trophy, setting the stage for an even more competitive future.
Hero Motosports’ triumph in the 2024 FIM World Rally Raid Championship is more than just a milestone for the team – it’s a defining moment for Indian motorsport on the global stage. At the heart of this victory is Ross Branch, whose grit and determination carried him through the highs and lows of a gruelling season. His triumph not only underscores his status as one of the sport’s elite riders but also places Hero Motosports among the world’s top teams. With its first FIM world title secured, Hero has proven that Indian manufacturers can compete with the best, and Ross Branch has cemented his legacy as a champion.