New Delhi, Apr 30: Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport arm of Hero MotoCorp, has announced the addition of South African rally-raid rider Michael Docherty to its international line-up.
Docherty, a standout performer in the Rally2 category, will make his debut for the team at the upcoming Desafío Ruta 40, the third round of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) 2026 season.
A record-holder in Rally2 with 37 stage wins, Docherty has established himself as one of the most consistent and competitive riders in the category. His achievements include a third-place finish in the 2025 Rally2 World Cup and multiple stage victories in overall FIM classifications, competing alongside RallyGP contenders.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Docherty began his career in motocross before transitioning to rally-raid in 2021. He made an immediate impact by winning the Rally2 category at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge during his debut. Since then, he has competed with teams such as BAS World KTM and SRG Motorsports, steadily building a strong international profile.
The signing aligns with Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s long-term vision of strengthening its global talent pool and preparing for major competitions, including the Dakar Rally 2027.
Commenting on the development, Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, said the team is excited to welcome Docherty, highlighting his speed, work ethic, and potential to evolve into a top RallyGP contender.
Michael Docherty added that joining Hero MotoSports marks a significant milestone in his career, as he steps into a factory rider role and looks forward to contributing to the team’s global ambitions.
The team continues to build on its recent successes, including its World Championship achievement with Ross Branch in 2024, and its growing presence in the Rally2 category. Previous milestones include participation in the 2024 Desafío Ruta 40 with Ramiro Barco Oliva and a breakthrough stage win at the 2025 South African Safari Rally by Tobias Ebster.
With the addition of Michael Docherty, Hero MotoSports Team Rally aims to further strengthen its competitive edge and scale new heights on the global rally-raid stage.
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