Merzouga(Morocco), September 27,
2019
Hero MotoSports Team
Rally, the motorsports team of the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer,
Hero MotoCorp, today emerged victorious at the 2019 Pan Africa Rally. This is
the team’s first Rally win for the season.
Team Rider Joaquim
Rodrigues ‘JRod’ was crowned the winner, as he achieved victory for the Team
after a consistent run throughout the six days and 1500 kms of the Rally. This
is his second international victory with Hero MotoSports, the first one being
BAJA India in 2017.
JRod has had a solid
season so far, making a painful and long recovery from his crash in the Dakar
2018. This win puts him in good stead for the remaining two big rallies of the
season, including the Dakar Rally 2020.
His team mate, the only
other rider for the Team in this Rally, CS Santosh also had a memorable rally
as he achieved his personal best and the best ever result by an Indian in a
rally outside India. His fifth place finish was the outcome of some really
gritty and consistent performances across all the five stages of Rally. This
result will provide a boost to his confidence and preparations for Rally Du
Maroc and the Dakar 2020.
For Hero MotoSports Team
Rally, which was set up only three years back, this is the first win of this
season and the second overall in their still young career in the international
rallying. This season the Team’s performances have seen a consistent
improvement over the previous years. The Team has already achieved three podium
finishes this year, including the podium finishes at the Merzouga Rally, Desert
Storm, and the victory here at Pan Africa Rally 2019 today.
With the strong momentum
of good performances, the next stop for Hero MotoSports Team Rally will be the
Rally Du Maroc in October, which is considered to be the last training round
before the Dakar Rally. With Dakar 2020 in sight, the four rider strong Hero
MotoSports will look to further intensify its focus delivering good results.
Wolfgang
Fischer, Team Manager and Head, Hero MotoSports Team Rally said, “A fantastic week of racing came
to a highly deserved culmination today for JRod and Santosh. My compliments to
the entire team for putting up a great performance and thanks to our fans and
supporters. JRod’s journey has been an inspiring one! From his dream debut at
the Dakar and winning the first ever rally for Hero MotoSports in 2017, to his
severe injury in Dakar 2018, and then to make an impressive come back today, is
something special. Santosh has been a Global Ambassador for the Indian
motorsports fraternity and posting his best ever result today, will bring a lot
of positivity for him and the sport in India. Looking forward to our next race
in eight days, where for the first time, we will start with the full strength
four rider configuration. ”
Joaquim
Rodrigues, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally said, “I am really happy with this win.
The past couple of years have been difficult for me after my crash at the Dakar
in 2018. My road to recovery has been long and painful and I am happy to be
finally getting back to my 100%. My confidence is back and my back is really
good now. Congratulations to Santosh also for doing a great job and posting his
personal best. My thanks to the entire team for supporting me and giving the
best possible support. This win is for Hero MotoSports Team Rally.”
C
S Santosh, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally said, “It’s been a really good race for
me. I was consistent and getting better with every stage. You always push
yourself to do better than before, race your own limits. Finishing fifth here
today is very satisfying. I am quite happy with the way this season has
progressed and with my training, so all we have to do now is to build on it to
the Dakar. Big congratulations to my buddy JRod for a fantastic win and a big
thanks to the awesome team here and our fans.”