Hero MotoSports Team Rally gave a glimpse of their off-roading prowess at the Hero Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT), Jaipur. Marking their first visit to the country, since the formation of the division in May 2016, the entire team exuded confidence ahead of the grueling Oilibya Rally in Morocco, the final stepping-stone before Dakar 2017.
The team riders including CS Santosh and Joaquim Rodrigues showcased the man and machine capabilities on a specially designed off-road track. Designed under the supervision of French and German engineers, the track provided exciting obstacles for the riders on their upgraded Speedbrain 450 rally bikes. The Hero MotoSports Team Rally had an impressive run at the Afriquia Merzouga Rally earlier this year, with Rodrigues having a top 10 finish (9th spot) while while Santosh closing the rally at 16th spot in the overall standings.
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In May 2016, Hero MotoCorp forayed into the world of motorcycle rally racing by entering into a strategic partnership with Speedbrain GmbH, the German off-road racing specialist to form Hero MotoCorp Team Rally. In addition to participating in international rallies across the globe, the team will also assist in development and testing of new Hero vehicles concepts, using the data collected from the races.
The team is being headed by Wolfgang Fischer, Managing Director, Speedbrain and is working under the direct supervision of Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Hero MotoCorp.
Speaking at the event, Dr Braunsperger said that motorbike rally racing is the toughest form of motorsport in the world. In addition to putting to test the endurance limit of the riders, it is the ultimate platform to evaluate the competency of the machines. Hero is aggressively working towards elevating its product development capabilities to global standards and the presence at the international racing circuit gives the two-wheeler maker an opportunity to further refine its vehicle concepts.