Hero Motosports banking on first Indian debut of star Portuguese rider for BAJA 2017
The motorsports team of Hero MotoCorp, Hero MotoSports Team Rally is gearing up for India BAJA 2017 in April this year. Hero MotoCorp is the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer and following the success of the debut of their motorsports team, they seek to not only meet, but exceed the standards set by their impressive debut.
For the India BAJA 2017, Hero MotoSports Team Rally will be participating with Portuguese rider Joaquim Rodrigues (JRod), who will be making his debut on Indian Soil.
Joaquim Rodrigues, Pilot, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, said, “I am really excited to start the new season and working with the Hero MotoSports Team Rally to get ready for the India BAJA and the Merzouga Rally. It is really cool to start working again with the team and kick off our season leading up to the Dakar 2018.”
Hero Motosports Team Rally has decided to bench CS Santosh, citing a spine injury sustained after a nasty crash in the recent Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. While he has been making good progress, Santosh has been advised some more rest before he starts competing again, and the decision to rest him should hopefully aid in his recovery process.
Regarding his injury, C S Santosh, Pilot, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, said, “I am still recovering from the injury that I picked up from a crash during the recently concluded Maruti Desert Storm. I am healing well and working towards getting fit for the Merzouga Rally in May. It is really disappointing to sit this one out, but I am confident that with JRod leading Hero MotoSports Team Rally, we will achieve a good result here!”
India BAJA 2017 itself would be held in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan. The winner of India BAJA gets a free entry into Merzouga Rally in Morocco in the month of May and also an opportunity to participate in Dakar 2018, as this edition of BAJA is part of the Dakar challenge events.
