Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport arm of the world’s largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, has added a significant new talent to its lineup – rally-raid legend Joan Barreda Bort.
With an impressive career spanning numerous international victories and seven Dakar Rally appearances, the Spaniard is celebrated for his aggressive riding style and consistent pursuit of victory. He has secured an incredible 30 stage wins in the Dakar, holding the record for the most stage victories among active competitors in the Bikes category. His best Dakar finish came in 5th place in the 2017 and 2022 editions.
Known as “Bang Bang,” Barreda has notched multiple victories in popular races like the Spanish Baja, Merzouga Rally, Andalucia Rally, China Grand Rally, Qatar Cross-Country Rally, and Rallye Des Pharaons, among others.
This signing marks a return to familiar territory for both Joan Barreda Bort and Hero MotoSports team manager Wolfgang Fischer, who were part of the same team in 2012, alongside the late Hero rider Paulo Goncalves.
Hero MotoSports Team Rally, which boasts a rich seven-year history, has rapidly ascended the ranks of rally racing. They concluded the 2023 World Championship with an impressive 4th place overall and achieved two stage wins at the Dakar 2023, along with strong showings in various other rallies. With Barreda on board, the team is poised to aim for even greater heights.
Barreda’s debut with the Hero MotoSports team is scheduled for January 2024 at the Dakar Rally, which also marks the beginning of the 2024 season of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). He will join fellow Rally GP class competitors Joaquim Rodrigues, Ross Branch, and Sebastian Buhler to form a formidable 4-rider squad. His move to this youthful and agile team reflects his strong motivation to share his expertise and help propel the team to new heights.
