The ‘Kalahari Ferrari’ is out in the Persian gulf looking to improve from his 2025 season that was marred by mechanical breakdowns, resulting in him falling to defend his 2024 World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC) title. Out in Saudi Arabia today, Branch finished in position seven, the same position he found himself in yesterday after facing a six-minute penalty for speeding when he had finished ahead of all bikers initially. In a brief interview with MmegiSport, Branch said he remains unmoved by his two results in the Dakar Rally as he still oozes with confidence.
“The mood of today is really amazing, I am happy with the bike and everything is literally going so well,” Branch said. The crimes detailed elsewhere in this edition from the loss of a former minister to the heartbreaking murder of a child, and public arson to relentless gender-based violence, paint a distressing picture of a society under strain.These are not isolated tragedies. They are a collective alarm bell, ringing out as we enter a period meant for peace and goodwill.The festive season, while a time of joy, can also amplify existing pressures.
