Branch’s world title defence over

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 50 Views |

Local motorsport hero, Ross Branch, has been forced to withdraw from the 2025 World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC) following a crash in Stage Three of the BP Ultimate Rally Raid in Portugal. Whilst the rider emerged unscathed, his Hero No.1 machine suffered serious damage, ending his hopes of defending the world crown.

The setback is a crushing blow for Branch, who came into the season as the reigning world champion and a beacon of Botswana motorsport on the global stage.

This withdrawal marks the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the 39-year-old, who has now failed to complete three of the four W2RC rounds in 2025.

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