Hero MotoSports Team Rally completed the fifth stage of the Dakar Rally, with Nacho Cornejo and Ross Branch finishing in the top 10. The 428km stage included timed specials, high-speed sections, and sandy terrain that required careful navigation. Stony sections tested the riders' skills and endurance, adding complexity to the stage. After two tough marathon stages, the team will have a rest day on January 10th as the rally reaches its midpoint in Ha'il, allowing the riders to recover and prepare for the next challenge.
Ross Branch is in third place overall, and Cornejo is in ninth. Cornejo finished third in this stage, just under two minutes behind the winner. Branch, recovering from a navigation mistake on the previous day, finished fourth and closed the gap to leader Daniel Sanders. Both riders demonstrated strong strategies and resilience throughout the stage.
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Stage 6 of the Dakar Rally will commence on 11th January and will be a 605 km of timed specials.
Dakar 2025: What Did the Riders Said?
Nacho Cornejo said: “We've made it to the rest day, we had some really good stages in the marathon and I'm thrilled to have finished third in today's stage. We arrived with a lot of confidence on the bike, although ninth place isn't where I want like to be in the overall standings in the end, I'm motivated to make up ground in the second week. We'll take it one day at a time, giving it our all until the very last kilometre. I want to thank everyone for their incredible support, and to my team for their tireless efforts.”
Ross Branch, Rider said: 'We've arrived at the Ha'il Bivouac, marking the end of the marathon stage. Today was good, unlike yesterday where I made a navigation mistake at the end of the stage which costed us a lot of time and got a speeding penalty halfway through the stage. We are here in one piece, the bike is in good condition, and the team is happy and in high spirits. With a mammoth second week ahead, we're more determined than ever to make our mark. We're still very much in the race, and our motivation is stronger than ever. Bring on week number two!'
Dakar 2025: Next Stage
As the rally moves south towards Al Duwadimi, Stage 6 will raise the stakes for competitors, becoming one of the longest stages of this year's Dakar with 605 km of timed specials.
Also Read: Land Rover Defender To Enter Dakar Rally in 2026
After a transfer section, drivers will face a faster stretch before tackling a more challenging section. Here, they will need to navigate difficult sandy terrain, including dunes, hills, and rough tracks.
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