Latest news with #AbuDhabiDesertChallenge
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Hero Motosports Team Rally Completes South African Safari Rally 2025 With Strong Results
Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters - Hero MotoCorp, has successfully completed its campaign at the South African Safari Rally 2025 – the third round of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) 2025. After five grueling stages across the Savannah, Nacho Cornejo and Tobias Ebster secured impressive top-10 finishes overall — Nacho placing 6th and Tobias 9th while Botswana's own Ross Branch finished 11th overall in the rally. In the Rally 2 category, Tobias made a strong debut with Hero MotoSports, clinching 2nd place overall. With this performance, Tobias continues to lead the Rally 2 Championship standings. Today's Stage 5 witnessed Ross Branch bounce back with a spirited ride, finishing 3rd — just around two minutes off the stage winner — while Nacho continued his run of consistency, securing 7th place. Tobias also maintained his momentum, finishing 9th in the stage. Meanwhile, Ebster won today's stage in Rally 2, securing the team's first-ever stage win in this category. The young Austrian talent is making a strong case for the title with two races remaining this season. His consistent pace and four podium finishes in Rally 2 at this rally reflect his growing confidence and synergy with the team. Nacho once again proved to be dependable for the team, finishing top-10 in all stages in this rally. After finishing 7th at Dakar and 6th at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge earlier this season, his current form promises exciting results in the remaining rounds. The ongoing season has been quite a challenging one for Ross Branch. After an unfortunate crash at Dakar and a premature exit at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, he entered the Safari Rally with renewed energy. His Stage 1 win and Stage 3 podium reaffirm his speed and determination. Despite the setback in Stage 2, Ross remains optimistic and is eager to capitalize on the remaining two rounds of the championship — racing as the reigning World Champion. With 34 points after the 3rd round, Nacho has moved to the 7th position in the World Championship. Ross, on the other hand, has opened his tally with 8 points in the table. The South African Safari Rally wrapped up today with the fifth and final stage in Sun City, spanning 216 kilometers — including 118 kilometers of timed special. Though short, the stage was anything but easy, demanding razor-sharp focus through a mix of slick hard-packed cotton soil, river crossings, and loose gravel. The terrain breakdown featured 44% 'black turf' typical of local XXL farms, 27% savannah with dense vegetation, 7% rocks, and 16% red earth tracks. A final 33-kilometer liaison brought competitors back to the bivouac, where they were welcomed with celebration. Making its debut on the W2RC calendar, the South African Safari Rally has quickly earned a reputation as a future classic. The groundbreaking event tested the endurance, adaptability, and technical skill of the world's best rally racers. From fast-flowing savannah trails to rocky outcrops and deceptive black earth, the rally showcased South Africa's raw and rugged beauty while challenging competitors with diverse terrain and shifting weather. As a new addition to the championship, the Safari Rally stands out not only for its stunning landscapes but also for the sheer variety and intensity it brought to the W2RC season. Up next, Hero MotoSports Team Rally is all set to take on the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, scheduled to take place from September 22–28, 2025. As the fourth round in the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) calendar, this event presents a fresh opportunity for the team. Buoyed by the momentum and confidence gained from the South African Safari Rally, the team is more focused than ever to conquer the terrain and leave a lasting mark on the championship. With the final two rounds remaining in this season, Hero MotoSports now looks ahead with renewed motivation and strong momentum across both Rally GP and Rally 2 categories. Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: 'Overall, it was a very good race — congratulations to the organizers for delivering a fantastic event. The new terrain brought a fresh challenge and was very well received by the Southern Africa motorsports community. We came in aiming for victory with Ross, and he showed strong form by leading after Stage 1. Unfortunately, a large bird strike in Stage 2 damaged his oil cooler, ending his podium hopes — that's rally, some things are just out of your hands. Still, Ross showed great resilience, finishing the marathon stage and securing two more stage podiums. Most importantly, he proved he's back and competitive after his Dakar injury.' 'Nacho had some ups and downs — this terrain doesn't naturally suit his style, but he stayed consistent and we can always depend on him for a solid result. Tobias has an impressive debut with us, adapting quickly, finishing second in Rally2 overall, and closing with a stage win. We couldn't have asked for more. It's a promising outlook for the upcoming races. While we take a short break from racing, the work continues with testing and prep. We're looking forward to joining the championship battle again in Portugal.' Tobias Ebster, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: 'The last stage is done, and it's an emotional moment for me. It was just 111 km today, and I had a great rhythm until around the 92nd kilometre, when my bike suddenly stopped. A wire was stuck in the rear tyre — I had to stop and cut it out with a side cutter. I also had a small crash and an issue at the checkpoint, but in the end, I'm super happy. We got our first Rally2 stage win for Hero MotoSports today. We made steady progress all week, and I'm proud — not just for myself, but for the entire team. Finishing second overall in Rally2 and keeping our lead in the Rally2 World Championship is a great achievement. A huge thanks to the team for their support and to everyone who came to the track or sent messages — you really kept us going. See you in Portugal in September!' Nacho Cornejo, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: "We are done with the Safari Rally — it's been a super cool week of racing here in South Africa. We had our ups and downs, but also a couple of really strong stages. I was able to perform well in conditions that have typically been a weakness for me, so that's a big positive. Yes, I lost some time here and there, but overall, I believe we're moving in the right direction and making clear improvements in these kinds of terrains. I want to thank the entire team — managers, technicians, physios — everyone who works so hard behind the scenes to support us. Also, a big thank you to all the fans and supporters for the encouragement. We'll keep pushing and working hard for the final two rounds of the year!' Ross Branch, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: 'It's the end of the Safari Rally here in South Africa, and what an incredible week of racing it's been! I truly enjoyed every moment — the atmosphere, the people, and the passionate spectators made it all the more special. The bike performed flawlessly as always. Unfortunately, we had a setback due to an incident on Day 2, which impacted our overall standings. But we're back on pace now, the speed is there, and I'm really happy with how everything is coming together. Looking ahead, I'm excited for Morocco and Portugal. A big thank you to everyone for all the support!' Provisional Classification of Stage 5 (Overall): 1 Ricky Brabec Monster Energy Honda Team 01h 23m 17s 2 Daniel Sanders Redbull KTM Factory Racing + 00m 42s 3 Ross Branch Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 02m 06s 7 Nacho Cornejo Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 06m 06s 9 Tobias Ebster Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 07m 16s Provisional Classification after Stage 5 (Overall): 1 Daniel Sanders Redbull KTM Factory Racing 13h 27m 44s 2 Luciano Benavides Redbull KTM Factory Racing + 08m 55s 3 Ricky Brabec Monster Energy Honda Team +10m 00s 6 Nacho Cornejo Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 46m 02s 9 Tobias Ebster Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 01h 04m 40s 11 Ross Branch Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 01h 55m 19s Provisional Classification of Stage 5 (Rally2): 1 Tobias Ebster Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 01h 30m 33s 2 Ruy Barbosa Xraids Experience + 00m 38s 3 Michael Docherty BAS World KTM Team + 00m 57s Provisional Classification after Stage 5 (Rally2): 1 Edgar Canet Redbull KTM Factory Racing + 14h 17m 00s 2 Tobias Ebster Hero MotoSports Team Rally + 15m 24s 3 Michael Docherty BAS World KTM Team + 23m 35s 2025 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship Standings (After Round 3): 1 Daniel Sanders Redbull KTM Factory Racing 88 Points 2 Luciano Benavides Redbull KTM Factory Racing 53 Points 3 Ricky Brabec Monster Energy Honda Team 53 Points 7 Nacho Cornejo Hero MotoSports Team Rally 34 Points 9 Ross Branch Hero MotoSports Team Rally 8 Points
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY WELCOMES TOBIAS EBSTER TO ITS RIDER LINE-UP EBSTER'S REMARKABLE JOURNEY TO ELEVATE THE TEAM'S AMBITIONS AT WORLD RALLY STAGE
Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters — Hero MotoCorp – has added promising young talent Tobias Ebster to its international rider line-up, following a highly successful 2024 season. Tobias Ebster, 27, from Zillertal, Austria, is widely recognized as one of rally racing's most promising rising stars. He entered his first rally just four years ago — the Hellas Rally Raid — after establishing a solid background in motocross and enduro. His breakthrough came in 2022, when he won the prestigious FIM Bajas World Cup in Dubai. He continued to impress by securing victory in the Rally 2 category at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, outperforming a field of seasoned competitors. A trained mechanical engineering technician, Tobias has taken on a range of freelance jobs — including landscaper, taxi driver, plumber, pizza delivery rider, and carpenter — to maintain a flexible schedule that supports his intense training and racing commitments. In his debut Dakar Rally last year — Tobias delivered a remarkable performance. Displaying exceptional grit and endurance, he claimed victory in the grueling "Original by Motul" category without any assistance and finished an impressive 20th overall, earning the coveted title of Best Rookie. His determination and talent also secured him a Dakar entry through the 'Road to Dakar' program, a dream he pursued and achieved despite significant setbacks. In Dakar 2025, competing once again as a privateer — but this time with assistance — Tobias raised the bar even higher. He finished an astonishing 9th overall, emerging as the top privateer in the field. Tobias is set to make his debut race appearance with Hero MotoSports later this month at the South African Safari Rally. This event, making its first appearance on the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) calendar, serves as the third round of the 2025 season. Tobias will line up alongside teammates Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo for the rally. Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Tobias Ebster to the Hero MotoSports family! His addition comes at a truly exciting time for us, following our historic World Championship victory led by our star rider Ross Branch. In just over nine years, Hero MotoSports has firmly established itself among the top teams in rally racing, and the arrival of a world-class talent like Tobias – current leader of the Rally2 championship - marks another major milestone in our journey." "Tobias already shares a strong bond with several of our riders, and we are excited to see that camaraderie come alive once again under the Hero MotoSports banner. His impressive will to work upwork his career to where he stands now, and true spirit of sportsmanship perfectly align with our team's values and ambitions. We are confident Tobias will play a significant role in elevating our performance even further this season and beyond. With new energy, renewed determination, and exciting new talent, we look forward to an incredible season ahead!" Tobias Ebster, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, said: "I'm thrilled and deeply honoured to be joining Hero MotoSports, a team that has been making headlines for all the right reasons. I've followed the team's incredible rise over the past few years and have always admired how quickly they've become a force to reckon with in rally racing. It's an exciting time to join, and I'm fully committed to giving my best and contributing to the team's continued success." "I look forward to racing alongside some of the most talented and promising riders in the sport, many of whom I also consider close friends. I sincerely thank Hero MotoSports for placing their trust in me — it's a true privilege to represent the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters at some of the toughest and most iconic races around the world!" Born into a family deeply rooted in motorsport, Tobias found his passion for two wheels at an early age, receiving his first bike at just four years old. Guided by his uncle Heinz Kinigadner — a two-time Motocross World Champion and rally-raid legend — Tobias developed his skills across motocross and desert racing, laying the foundation for what promises to be an outstanding career in rally-raid. With an already impressive trajectory early in his career, Tobias brings immense talent and resilience to the Hero MotoSports squad.
Business Wire
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Hero MotoSports Team Rally Welcomes Tobias Ebster to Its Rider Line-Up
NEW DELHI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters — Hero MotoCorp – has added promising young talent Tobias Ebster to its international rider line-up, following a highly successful 2024 season. Tobias Ebster, 27, from Zillertal, Austria, is widely recognized as one of rally racing's most promising rising stars. He entered his first rally just four years ago — the Hellas Rally Raid — after establishing a solid background in motocross and enduro. His breakthrough came in 2022, when he won the prestigious FIM Bajas World Cup in Dubai. He continued to impress by securing victory in the Rally 2 category at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, outperforming a field of seasoned competitors. A trained mechanical engineering technician, Tobias has taken on a range of freelance jobs — including landscaper, taxi driver, plumber, pizza delivery rider, and carpenter — to maintain a flexible schedule that supports his intense training and racing commitments. In his debut Dakar Rally last year — Tobias delivered a remarkable performance. Displaying exceptional grit and endurance, he claimed victory in the grueling "Original by Motul" category without any assistance and finished an impressive 20th overall, earning the coveted title of Best Rookie. His determination and talent also secured him a Dakar entry through the 'Road to Dakar' program, a dream he pursued and achieved despite significant setbacks. In Dakar 2025, competing once again as a privateer — but this time with assistance — Tobias raised the bar even higher. He finished an astonishing 9th overall, emerging as the top privateer in the field. Tobias is set to make his debut race appearance with Hero MotoSports later this month at the South African Safari Rally. This event, making its first appearance on the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) calendar, serves as the third round of the 2025 season. Tobias will line up alongside teammates Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo for the rally.
Gulf Today
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Al Ain set to host inaugural edition of International RC Aerobatics Competition
Al Ain will host the inaugural edition of the International RC Aerobatics Competition from April 2 to 6. The event is supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism in Al Ain and organized by Eco Adventure Tourism. A total of 70 pilots, including 40 professionals representing 16 countries from around the world, will participate in the championship. This was announced during a press conference held on Thursday. It was attended by Abdullah Al Neyadi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and the Director of IMAC UAE; Ali Maslah Al Ahbabi, Championship Director; Saeed Abdullah Al Dhaheri, Director of Development for Al Ain and Dhafra at the Department of Culture and Tourism; Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Raisi from UAE University; Yousef Jassem Al Azyzi from the General Civil Aviation Authority; Nasser Hamouda Al Neyadi, President of the Emirates Aerosports Federation; Obaid Ali Al Dhaheri from Al Ain Hobby Club; Manrico Mincuzzi, President of the IMAC Europe; and Al Hareth Mohammed Salem, representing the Emirates Falcons Aviation Club. Ahbabi expressed his pride in the UAE hosting this prestigious international event for the first time outside of America and Europe, reflecting the country's esteemed global status. Ahbabi highlighted that securing the event itself is a significant achievement made possible by the UAE's unwavering support for sports and athletes, thanks to the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. He also outlined the accompanying activities, including competitions and valuable prizes for winners and spectators. UAE University will participate by organizing various workshops aimed at promoting aviation culture across all segments of society and attracting aviation enthusiasts from the UAE and the region. Al Ahbabi extended his gratitude to the Department of Culture and Tourism, the General Civil Aviation Authority, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, Al Ain Hobby Club, Khalifa University, UAE University, the Emirates Aerosports Federation, Abu Dhabi Classic Cars Club, the event organizer "Eco," Red Med Media, and IMAC UAE, the local representative of IMAC International. Dhaheri praised the organizing committee for hosting this unique event, which aligns with the department's strategy to promote Al Ain as a top destination. He noted that the city has previously hosted successful events such as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship, and now, the Wireless Aviation Championship is expected to achieve unprecedented success. Nasser Hamouda Al Neyadi emphasized Al Ain's significance and expressed hope that the city will become the capital of wireless aviation sports. He highlighted the growing popularity of the sport, particularly among the youth. Mincuzzi, expressed his delight in being in the UAE, noting that introducing young people to the sport before the age of 30 is similar to F1 racing. He explained that young individuals quickly grasp the sport, which enhances their creative abilities and empowers them to contribute effectively to society. Dr. Ahmed Al Raisi stated that UAE University believes in collaboration across all sectors of society. "The university has launched a 'Design, Build and Fly' competition aimed at encouraging student innovation, teamwork, and project management skills. The event will feature aircraft models, various competitions, and specialized workshops."
Gulf Today
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Yas crowns winners of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – the second round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) – has concluded in thrilling fashion. Organised by the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO) in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event took place from February 21–27, marking a historic first with its start in Al Ain. The rally then passed through Al Qua'a, Al Dhafra (Mezaira'a), before culminating in Abu Dhabi. During the closing ceremony, held on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Yas Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the winners across various categories with their trophies. The event was graced by the presence of Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Senior Project Manager at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Mahir Badri, Chief Executive of EMSO, and numerous leading sports figures. The ceremony also included a special tribute to the event's sponsors and key supporters. Sheikh Yas Bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the significance of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge as a testament to the UAE's leadership in hosting world-class sporting events. He commended the organisers and competitors for their outstanding efforts and stated: "We take great pride in having this global event as part of the UAE's major sports calendar, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future." This year's rally marked a milestone with a bold new route. For the first time in its 34 years, the event started in Al Ain and travelled through Al Dhafra, with the bivouac stationed in Mezaira'a, before concluding in Abu Dhabi. This innovative change saw 60% of the course redesigned, setting a new benchmark for the event's evolution. The much-anticipated alteration not only enhanced the rally's dynamic nature but also preserved the thrill and challenges that have defined the Desert Challenge for over three decades. Recognised as one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the region, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge attracts world-class drivers and riders who tackle the desert's demanding terrain, testing both their skill and endurance. The rally continues to reinforce its reputation as a premier long-distance desert rally on the global stage. Since its inception 34 years ago, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has been a cornerstone of the global rally-raid scene. Initially a bold vision conceived by Mohammed Ben Sulayem - current President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsports - the event has evolved into an international motorsport benchmark for skill, endurance, and determination. Since its launch in 1991, the rally has welcomed some of the biggest names in the sport, including Jean-Louis Schlesser, Stéphane Peterhansel, Nasser Al-Attiyah and Yazeed Al-Rajhi, cementing its place as one of the most iconic events in the motorsport world. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is hosted with the support of Energy partner ADNOC Distribution; the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi; Technology Partner e&; and Official Logistics Partner DHL. The event is also made possible thanks to Automotive Partner Al-Futtaim Toyota, as well as governmental support from the Ministry of Defence & UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Police, Civil Defence, Abu Dhabi Distribution Co, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Tadweer, and media partner Abu Dhabi Sports TV.
