After a day of rest in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ross Branch returned to action on Sunday as the 2026 Dakar Rally-Raid resumed with stage 7 of 13. The 48th edition of the world’s toughest desert race continued to test riders with long distances, heat and relentless sand. Branch, riding the Hero 450, delivered a performance that kept rally fans fully engaged. The stage stretched deep into the Saudi desert, ending in Wadi Ad-dawsir after hours of demanding navigation and control.
Branch handled the sandy terrain with precision and confidence. His bike surged across dunes and open stretches as the engine revs climbed and fell with each change in surface. The Hero rider made the difficult 459km stage look controlled despite the technical demands. His rhythm stayed consistent as he pushed forward through the desert. By the end of the stage, Branch secured an impressive eighth-place finish.
The performance underlined why Branch carries the nickname Ferrari of the Kalahari. His background as a former airline pilot often shapes how fans interpret his riding style. He later joked about his speed, saying he felt faster than when flying with Mack Air. The comment highlighted both his confidence and the intensity of the stage. It also reinforced his reputation as one of the most exciting riders in the rally.
At the front of the field, Red Bull KTM Factory rider Luciano Benavides dominated stage 7. He claimed victory ahead of Edgar Carney and Andrei Van Beveren after a strong and composed ride. Daniel Sanders maintained his grip on the overall lead as the rally moved closer to its final stages. The battle for podium positions remains tight as fatigue and strategy begin to play a bigger role.
The Dakar Rally now shifts focus to stage 8, set to take place in Wadi Ad-dawsir on Monday. Riders face another tough day in the desert with little room for error. For Branch, the goal remains clear. Stay consistent, push where possible and survive the unforgiving terrain. As the rally continues, every kilometre brings new challenges and new opportunities to make history.
