The race, which forms part of the second round of the W2RC after the Dakar Rally, starts and will run until February 27. Branch has a lot of ground to cover to make a comeback amongst the world title challengers this year. He was unfortunate not to conclude the Dakar Rally, which dented his chances of defending the title he won for the first time in 2024. The local lad is chasing a record-breaking feat to become the first biker in the world to retain the W2RC championship. However, he will have to race from the back as he is currently without a rank in the championship standings as he failed to collect points during his unsuccessful 2025 Dakar Rally campaign. He will, however, return to the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge with his tail high as he looks to win the race for the second year in succession.
Branch won the 2024 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in what was Indian manufacturer Hero Motosports’ first ever win in the W2RC. Ahead lies a total of 1, 920km over six days of racing, and Branch has admitted it would be a mountain-high task in the second round of the W2RC. He recently recovered from an injury he sustained during the Dakar Rally and said he is geared for an improved performance in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge despite not being fully fit for the race. “I have just been trying to get myself better and into a position where we can come in and give our best in Abu Dhabi. I am definitely not 100%, but I am here, we have made a decision to get on the biker and give it our best. I am happy and excited about the race. I have ridden the bike for a couple of kilometres. We are going to go for it and have some fun. We have a challenge ahead of us for sure, and the body is healing up okay. Since Dakar, it has been a bit of a mountain to climb, but I am really excited to get back,” said Branch.
