RACE SUMMARY

Hero MotoSports Team Rally — the motorsport arm of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, Hero MotoCorp — successfully completed Stage 12 of the Dakar 2026 as the rally edges closer to its grand finale.

Ross Branch of Botswana finished the stage in eighth position once again, while Chile’s Nacho Cornejo crossed the line in 14th. Following the completion of Stage 12, both riders continue to hold strong overall positions inside the top-10, with Cornejo placed seventh overall and Branch close behind in eighth.

Ross Branch faced a demanding penultimate test on Stage 12, where the technical nature of the route made it difficult to establish an early rhythm. Despite pushing to improve his pace as the stage progressed, conditions did not allow him to perform at his usual level. Branch managed the day with focus and composure, bringing the bike safely to the finish as attention now turns to the final stage of the rally.

Nacho Cornejo also encountered a challenging day, with the technical terrain and a difficult opening preventing him from settling into his usual flow. After a consistent run over the previous stages, the penultimate test required a more measured approach. Cornejo focused on managing the conditions and completing the stage cleanly, keeping his sights firmly set on pushing through the final stage.

Stage 12 proved to be one of the most demanding tests of this year’s rally, with highly technical sections offering limited opportunities to build momentum. Despite efforts to find a consistent rhythm early on, the challenging conditions made it difficult to maintain the desired pace throughout. With the penultimate stage now complete, the focus shifts to a controlled and determined approach as the rally heads into its final day, with the aim of bringing the bike home cleanly and finishing on a positive note.