Dakar2018: Early high and low for Hero MotoSports at the Dakar Rally

The unpredictable and harsh nature of the Dakar Rally was extremely evident in the fortunes of the Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s performance on the opening stage of the event’s 40^th edition here on Saturday. The participants covered the 272km between the Peruvian capital of Lima, where the ceremonial flag-off ceremony was held, and Pisco, which is to the south along the Pacific coast. The total distance also covered a short, 31km timed stage.

While CS Santosh managed to 13^th overall on the timing board, his teammate and top ten finisher from last year Joaquim Rodrigues suffered a nasty fall that led to a badly injured back. The injury was severe enough for the Portugese rider to withdraw from the event, but it was not life-threatening. After being admitted to the hospital for routine checks, Rodrigues is expected to eventually make a recovery.

In the meantime, Santosh was beaming when autoX and the media present at the event caught up to him at the bivouac (the Dakar Rally’s mobile overnight temporary rest stop).

‘They should end the event right now,’ Santosh joked to the journalists present. ‘I got so many experienced riders behind me, I should just retire when I am on top!’

However, Santosh was very much aware of how things can quickly change at the event that is known for throwing up nasty surprises.

But he was nonetheless happy that Hero’s new RR 450 was performing well and as expected.

‘Last year I really struggled with the old bike,’ said Santosh. ‘The Dakar Rally is hard enough as it is for one to struggle with the bike as well.’

‘But the changes we have made to the new bike in terms of its weight distribution that has effected the handling have really paid off. Of course, we are nowhere near the tough part of the rally, but it still feels good to start off on a positive note. It’s just a shame about J-Rod (Rodrigues).’

In the meantime, Hero’s rookie rider Oriol Mena – who is riding last year’s 450 Rally – was placed 23^rd after the opening stage.