Branch kicks off Dakar Rally Race

Branch told Mmegi Online that he had a lot of fun, and that it was good to be back on the bike again. He said the track was fast and did not need much navigation. "I had a good time, I enjoyed it. All the preparations we have done leading to this race has paid off and it is working really well. It will be a long Dakar Rally, one of the toughest rallies they have had in Saudi Arabia, they say. So, we just have to keep our focus and make sure that we do not lose focus," he said. Branch said they will make sure that they stay strong and consistent the entire race.

Meanwhile, the past season was difficult for Branch as his 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) title defense faced major setbacks, including crashes and mechanical issues at Dakar and Abu Dhabi, effectively ending his championship hopes, despite earlier success like winning the 2024 W2RC title and being crowned "Hero of the Year".