Hero MotoSports Team Rally Defends Top 10 Position at Desafio Ruta 40
San Rafael, Argentina — May 28, 2026 — Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the official motorsport division of Hero MotoCorp—the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters—maintained a solid top 10 presence at the Desafio Ruta 40 following a grueling Stage 3. As the rally advances deeper into the Argentine landscape, race management, navigational accuracy, and physical endurance are becoming increasingly critical to the overall classification battle.
Stage 3: The Longest Test of the 2026 Edition
Following a difficult Stage 2 characterized by complex navigation and shifting terrain, the team entered Stage 3 focused on regaining momentum. Recognized as the longest competitive day of the 2026 edition, Stage 3 tested the endurance of all competitors.
- The day consisted of a 409-kilometer special stage.
- The total route distance spanned 575 kilometers.
Navigating the Dunes of Nihuil
The stage presented severe technical and navigational hurdles, beginning on a dry riverbed with a heavily stony surface before leading riders into the renowned dunes of Nihuil. The Mendoza sands required competitors to strategically select their lines to avoid losing time. Because the visible tracks left in the sand by the lead riders offer a navigational advantage, bonus time was awarded to the first rider opening the route to compensate for the difficulty of navigating trackless open desert.
Following the dunes, riders tackled varied dry riverbeds featuring both fast-flowing and narrow, boxed-in technical sectors. The final stretch escalated into high-altitude mountainous roads, testing the riders’ concentration and riding technique after an exhausting day.
Rider Performances and Standings
Ross Branch Navigates Altitude and Technical Challenges
Ross Branch delivered a consistent run to retain his top 10 status in the overall rankings. Throughout the 409-kilometer special, Branch managed several obstacles, including dust interference, minor brake issues, and the physical toll of high-altitude riding.
“It was an amazing stage through some really incredible areas today, especially up in the mountains at high altitude,” Branch stated. “I felt really comfortable on the bike during the first part of the stage and things were going well, but I had a small crash just after the refuel which cost me a bit of time and rhythm, and also a few smaller issues resulting from this. No excuses though. I managed to settle back in afterwards and finish the stage strongly, so overall I’m happy to still be healthy heading into the final two stages where we can keep working to make some improvements.”
Branch secured eighth place in Stage 3 with a time gap of +15m 58s. He currently holds eighth place in the overall provisional rankings, trailing the leader by +38m 03s.
Nacho Cornejo Gains Confidence in Varied Terrain
Nacho Cornejo executed a clean stage, avoiding major errors across the shifting Argentine terrain. The Chilean rider successfully executed multiple passes and reported feeling increasingly comfortable on the motorcycle as the day progressed.
“It was a long but really beautiful stage today and I definitely felt some improvements on the bike compared to yesterday,” Cornejo explained. “Of course, I’m still not where I want to be in terms of the overall result, but the feeling is moving in the right direction and now the focus is to keep working and continue improving over the final stages.”
Cornejo finished Stage 3 in 13th place (+20m 48s) and currently sits 14th in the overall rankings (+55m 16s).
Actionable Takeaways for the Final Stages
With two stages remaining, Hero MotoSports Team Rally is positioned to capitalize on their steady progression. The Desafío Ruta 40 serves as a critical competitive platform for Hero MotoCorp, allowing the brand to demonstrate its off-road capabilities and engage with a deeply rooted rally-raid fan base across Latin America. As the overall standings remain tightly contested, the team’s ability to maintain mechanical reliability and navigational precision will dictate their final classification in Argentina.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the total distance of Stage 3 at the 2026 Desafio Ruta 40? Stage 3 was the longest competitive day of the rally, featuring a 409-kilometer special stage and a total route distance of 575 kilometers.
How did Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo place in Stage 3? Ross Branch finished Stage 3 in eighth place, 15 minutes and 58 seconds behind the leader. Nacho Cornejo finished in 13th place, 20 minutes and 48 seconds off the lead pace.
Who is currently leading the overall provisional rankings after Stage 3? Daniel Sanders of the Redbull KTM Racing Team leads the overall provisional rankings with a total time of 09h 37m 06s. Tosha Schareina and Luciano Benavides hold second and third place, respectively.
What specific terrains did riders face during Stage 3? The route transitioned from heavily stony dry riverbeds into the technical sand dunes of Nihuil. It later moved through fast-flowing and boxed-in riverbeds, finally concluding on high-altitude mountainous roads.
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