J Rod to spearhead Hero MotoSports team: Andalucia Rally
Villamartin (Spain) 11 May 2021: Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycle and scooters – Hero MotoCorp, is geared up to kick-start their Road to Dakar 2022 campaign at the Andalucia Rally from tomorrow.
The rider duties for the Team, in the first rally of the season, will be delivered by the trio of Joaquim Rodrigues, Sebastian Buhler and the newest Hero Franco Caimi.
After an emotional and exciting outing at the Dakar Rally earlier this year – marked by the heartbreaking crash of CS Santosh and the fantastic fight back by the team to post their best results ever with two Top 15 finishes – the team is back in action for an exciting new season with renewed focus, motivation and a reinforced team.
Franco Caimi, the exciting Argentine rider has joined forces with Hero MotoSports Team Rally last month and is all set to make his debut in Hero colors at the Andalucia Rally. A promising talent in the Rally Raid circuit, Caimi is expected to enhance the overall performance and competitiveness of the team.
Joaquim Rodrigues will be looking to build upon his gritty performance at the Dakar to deliver strong results for the team. While for Sebastian Buhler it will be another opportunity to gain more experience as he continues to sharpen his skills in the sport.
Meanwhile, the morale and mood of the team is also bolstered by the news of CS Santosh making strong and quick recovery with every passing day.
Headquartered at Villamartin, Spain, the Andalucia Rally will be formally kicked off on May 12, with a short prologue stage followed by four days of racing, covering a total of 1629 kms including 1244 kms of specials.
Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: “We are very excited to kick-off our new season with the Andalucia Rally and looking forward to a great race and the season ahead. We have utilized our time to work on our bike and also strengthen the team keeping the future in sight. We are excited to see Franco Caimi in our team and wish him the best for his first race with us. We are very excited about our prospects and possibilities this season. We are very happy with the remarkable progress of Santosh. He is a fighter and we are very happy with how his recovery is shaping up. It has been a very tough time since last year for the world. Our well wishes with everyone in India and we stand in solidarity with everyone impacted by this pandemic. Stay safe everyone.”
Joaquim Rodrigues, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: “I am looking forward to the start of a new season with the team. It has been a tough one and a half years for me personally as well for the team. But we have come out stronger and I want to build on that and do my best for the team. I think we are well prepared for the Andalucia Rally given the situation all around, and we have a really good bike now so looking forward to a good race.”
Franco Caimi, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: “I am really excited to be a part of Hero MotoSports Team Rally and looking forward to my first race with the team. I think we have done well to prepare the bikes for the Andalucia Rally and I can’t wait to start tomorrow!”
Sebastian Buhler, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: “The start of a new season is always exciting, especially in these times when we do not know which races will happen. So, I am quite excited to begin the new season with Andalucia Rally and hoping to get more experience in the sport, learn more and do my best.”
