Author: Joydip Sur

I'm a journalist with over a decade of experience and an all consuming passion for automobile and motorsports.

Q by Aston Martin Unveils Palm Beach Edition DB12 Volante

Joydip SurLeave a comment

Aston Martin Palm Beach, in partnership with the ultra-luxury performance brand’s bespoke service Q by Aston Martin, commissioned a one-of-a-kind DB12 Volante that blends renowned British craftsmanship with Palm Beach-inspired design themes. The DB12 Volante incorporates unique patterns and materials to celebrate Palm Beach and further elevates the elegance of Aston Martin’s 680PS open-top Super Tourer.

The Palm Beach Edition DB12 Volante is a tribute to oceanic blue, featuring an exclusive Q by Aston Martin Frosted Glass Blue exterior paint. The exclusive paint color exhibits qualities unique to the use of glass flakes within the topcoat, creating the unmistakeably mesmerising shimmer effect that perfectly encapsulates the south Florida sun. This is only achievable through hand spray application due to the complexity and delicate nature of this colour. The open-top Super GT also features a Club Sport White pinstripe applied to the front splitters, side sills and rear bumpers, highlighting the DB12 Volante’s firmly planted sportscar stance, as well as Gloss Jet Black diamond-turned five-spoke wheels.

With the convertible top dropped, the cabin’s custom features and nautically themed duotone colorways are on display, so even those beyond the cabin may appreciate the custom commission. The Palm Beach Edition DB12 Volante features a bespoke palm-leaf motif incorporated throughout, including on the complementary Aurora Blue and Ivory leather and Spicy Red contrast stitching. Seats include palm-inspired embroidery, which extends to the center armrest and door-sill panels; even custom engraved polished aluminum Palm Beach Edition sill plaques feature the same palm pattern. The palm motif continues to the exterior, where the aluminum side strakes were milled to reflect the palm-style stripe. The DB12 Volante features open-pore Linear Light Olive Ash book-matched wood trim throughout, specifically chosen to emulate the rich texture of palm wood. With a nod to the coastal location, the vehicle has Palm Beach’s latitude and longitude coordinates embossed onto the leather dashboard. Diagonally book-matched veneers on the rear of the front seats mimic the palm motif and include metal inlays engraved with “Palm Beach.” The DB12 Volante is also fitted with Gloss Jet Black Diamond Turned Vantage wheels, which offers a more dynamic and sporty treatment.

“This extraordinary DB12 Volante model perfectly encapsulates the understated elegance of both Palm Beach and Aston Martin,” said Pedro Mota, Regional President of Aston Martin The Americas. “Through a collaboration with Q by Aston Martin and Aston Martin Palm Beach, we have created an exceptional sportscar that merges stunning performance, artistry and luxury. This Q commissions is bound to entice more customers to create a unique specification with Q by Aston Martin, where peerless creativity and British craftsmanship generate vehicles as unique and special for their owners.”

The in-house design and craftspeople at Q by Aston Martin are renowned for their exceptional skills to create truly bespoke Aston Martins, with the Palm Beach Editions serving as testaments. Offering limitless customisation opportunities, Q by Aston Martin invites customers to embark on a distinct commissioning experience, where every detail from subtle accents to fully tailored components, can be designed to their exact specifications, offering discerning collectors the opportunity to own a piece of automotive artistry at their unique tastes. The possibilities are endless from the dedicated team, ensuring no request is too ambitious.

Record-Breaking Sunbeam Among The Stars At Heveningham Concours

Joydip SurLeave a comment

A true icon of motoring history, the legendary 350hp Sunbeam will take centre stage at the 2025 Heveningham Concours, a celebration of design, performance and luxury set against the stunning backdrop of the Heveningham Hall estate in Suffolk.

Returning on June 28–29, the Concours once again promises an unmissable weekend of rare and exceptional automobiles, curated with a passion for aesthetics and an eye for historical significance.

Among the hand-selected entries for this year’s display, few cars command the reverence of the 350hp Sunbeam, a vehicle that captures the essence of an era when audacity, engineering brilliance, and the lure of speed ruled the record books.

Conceived by Sunbeam’s visionary chief engineer Louis Coatalen in the wake of World War One, the car was fitted with an 18.3-litre V12 Manitou aero engine – originally designed for naval seaplanes – and clothed in an elegantly narrow, polished aluminium body with British racing green accents. What followed was a legendary career in motorsport and record-breaking, culminating in Sir Malcolm Campbell’s historic 1925 Pendine Sands run, where he became the first person to exceed 150mph.

Before Campbell took the wheel, this particular Sunbeam had already proved its pace. In 1922, with Kenelm Lee Guinness at the controls, it shattered the flying kilometre Land Speed Record at Brooklands, clocking 133.75mph. It wasn’t just a feat of speed, but also a testament to the ingenuity and style that defined the era’s fascination with power and progress.

That spirit is revived each summer at Heveningham, where automotive sculpture is not just shown – it is experienced, appreciated, and celebrated, together with a judging panel made up of the world’s most eminent car designers.

Held annually, the Concours brings together the world’s most beautiful and significant motor cars, together with aviation rarities. From pre-war Grand Prix legends to cutting-edge supercars, every entry is chosen not just for its rarity or performance, but for the story it tells and the aesthetic it represents. Combined with a weekend of food, art, and hospitality, the event creates a uniquely immersive atmosphere that is as refined as it is relaxed.

The 2025 edition promises an even more appealing lineup, and the presence of the 350hp Sunbeam – a car that shaped the very narrative of speed – reflects the Concours’ commitment to showcasing true masterpieces. Tickets are available now through the official website at http://www.heveninghamconcours.com, with proceeds supporting local charities as well as the estate’s sustainability initiatives.

Heveningham Concours takes place at the same time as the estate’s long-standing charity Country Fair, which attracts over 10,000 visitors annually to the Capability Brown-designed parkland.

Phantom Goldfinger Makes Public Debut At Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este For Nameplate’s 100th Anniversary

Joydip SurLeave a comment

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrated the 100th anniversary of Phantom, the marque’s most famous nameplate, at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Italy, on May 24, 2025.

Rolls-Royce chose this exclusive gathering for the worldwide public debut of Phantom Goldfinger, presented on the Grand Hotel’s renowned Mosaic Lawn on the shore of Lake Como. The striking one-of-one Phantom Extended pays homage to the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger – one of twelve Rolls-Royce appearances in the 007 film franchise.

Revealed in 2024, the film’s 60th anniversary year, the motor car takes inspiration from the 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville owned by the title’s eponymous villain, Auric Goldfinger, which was also shown at the event. The story of this motor car and the film is masterfully explored in Phantom Goldfinger, which includes 18- and 24-carat gold detailing, cinematic references, and intricate storytelling elements inspired by the film’s characters, locations and themes.

Further celebrating the centenary of Phantom, an exhibition of eight original artworks charted the evolution of Phantom’s design, and the world it has both inhabited and shaped over the past 100 years. Designers at Goodwood created the series, each capturing a different Phantom generation in the artistic style of its era. The settings of each piece also reflect the influence Phantom has exerted over its ten decades, and the many roles it has played and guises it has assumed.

Guests and media from around the world also witnessed the gathering’s opening parade, which included an immaculately presented example of Phantom V. This celebrated generation of the marque’s flagship motor car has been owned and loved by some of the most significant cultural and political figures in modern history, a reminder of Phantom’s role as a symbol of power, influence, and leadership.

Amid a year of heightened cultural and luxury activity across Italy, the debut of Phantom Goldfinger and the celebration of Phantom’s centenary at the event became a defining expression of Bespoke artistry and enduring cultural significance. This moment reflects not only Phantom’s remarkable legacy but also its ongoing power to inspire, captivate and lead as it enters a new century.

Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is the perfect setting for Rolls-Royce, as both this gathering and our marque celebrate the motor car as an object of art, craftsmanship and cultural expression. In this exceptional location, we are proud to make the public debut of Phantom Goldfinger, a remarkable expression of our Bespoke capabilities and a powerful tribute to a film cherished by the client. To have the original 1937 model, which featured in the film and inspired this motor car, displayed at the event makes this moment even more special. Presenting these exquisite Phantoms and original artworks created by our designers in tribute to the nameplate in its centenary year is a fitting celebration of our pinnacle motor car.”

New Nissan Magnite Now Available With CNG Retrofitment Kit

Joydip SurLeave a comment

The New Nissan Magnite will now be available with a government-approved CNG retrofitment kit. The CNG Kit is fully developed, manufactured and quality assured by Motozen (3rd Party) as per country Regulatory Standards. Motozen will provide warranty for kit components. This initiative reflects focus on providing customer-focused solutions. The fitment of these kits will be carried out at government-authorised fitment centres. The complete retrofitment will be available at competitive additional price of INR 74,999 only.

The rollout of this eco-friendly CNG kit fitment for the sustainability-aware and environment-conscious customer will be done in a phased manner across the country. In the first phase, Nissan customers can order the CNG kit installation via Nissan authorised dealerships in seven states, namely Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Karnataka. It will later be expanded to other states across the country as part of Phase 2.

The CNG kit option is available only with the New Nissan Magnite 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with the manual gearbox. The customers will get enhanced fuel economy with the CNG retrofitted kit. All CNG kits will be retrofitted by government-approved vendors, offering a certified homologated kit that complies with current local regulations and safety standards.

Mr. Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, commented: “The New Nissan Magnite has been a phenomenal product for us and has led the success story in India. With a view to meet the requirements of customers, Nissan Dealers will provide an alternate fuel option in the form of a government-approved CNG retrofitment kit which will be carried out at the authorised fitment centres for customers. We are confident that this move will enhance the popular compact SUV’s value proposition and practicality.”

Sting Energy Hits The Track With Formula 1

Joydip SurLeave a comment

Sting Energy, a PepsiCo electrifying energy drink, has officially entered the fast-paced world of Formula 1 as its Official Energy Drink Partner. This official partnership, sparked by authentic fan curiosity even before the official reveal, began as a viral sound-driven moment and has since grown into a dynamic collaboration — racing from the track to screens worldwide.

In a sport like Formula 1, where fans obsess over every detail, Sting Energy tapped into the most iconic and visceral element of the experience: sound. On May 23, 2025, world-renowned DJ and producer Armin van Buuren posted a video unveiling a surprising discovery – the sound of “Stinggg” echoing through the roar of an F1 engine. While isolating audio layers from a race recording, Armin noticed an uncanny resemblance between the engine’s pitch and the sonic builds in his music. The post piqued global curiosity, as fans, creators, and even F1 icons joined the conversation. And with that, Sting Energy surfaced. Not as a familiar face in Formula 1, but as a bold new force ready to make its mark.

Joining the wave of excitement were Formula 1 legend Jenson Button and 2025 F2 Monaco Grand Prix winner Kush Maini, who amplified the moment with energized reactions – captivated by the sonic connection between Sting Energy and the roar of Formula 1. Their involvement added credibility to what many had dismissed as coincidence, showing it was something much more deliberate.

Without any official announcement or clear branding, people started to wonder quietly: could Sting Energy have been part of Formula 1 all along? The frenzy reached its peak at the Monaco Grand Prix, where F1 fans and influencers from around the world were seen recording the races – reacting in real-time as Sting Energy’s now unmistakable sonic signature revealed itself within the raw, high-octane roar of the track.

Making the discovery, world renowned DJ and record producer, Armin van Buuren said, “As a longtime F1 fan, I was revisiting some engine sounds in the studio when one frequency stood out, it almost sounded like ‘Sting.’ At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but the more I listened, the more melodic it became. It’s a great reminder that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places – even a car racing down the track.”

Jenson Button, 2009 F1 World Champion driver added, “I’ve spent my entire life around Formula 1 – from the garage to the podium, and everywhere in between – and I thought I’d experienced every nuance the sport had to offer. But, when Armin played that engine clip and pointed out what he heard, I was genuinely surprised. I played it back and… There it was. ‘Sting.’ Clear as day. It’s strange, but also kind of brilliant – how something so familiar can hide in plain sight for so long. Once you hear it, you can’t ignore it.”

Commenting on the roar, Vandita Pandey, VP Marketing at PepsiCo, International Beverages, Energy, said, “Sometimes the most powerful brand moments aren’t manufactured – they’re discovered. This wasn’t just about launching a campaign; it was about listening to culture and amplifying what fans already felt. This partnership is more than regular sponsorship, it’s sonic alignment. Sting Energy didn’t just join Formula 1, it revealed it had always been there, embedded in the thrill, hidden in the sound; and now, the world knows. The brand officially takes its place on track with a future of vigorous fan experiences ahead.”

Jonny Haworth, Director of Commercial Partnerships, Formula 1, said, “Formula 1 has always been about more than just speed – it’s about emotion, energy, and the sensory experience that comes with every race. This partnership with Sting Energy taps into that energy in a fresh, creative way. It’s a celebration of the power of sound, and how culture and sport continue to collide in exciting new ways.”

With this partnership, Sting Energy will now supercharge fan experiences across 21 races– through immersive brand experiences, co-branded products, on-pack promotions, and digital storytelling.

Breaking away from the traditional sponsorship route, Sting Energy approached this collaboration in a way only it can – by tapping into the power of sound. In a sport where audio is emotion, physics, and adrenaline all at once, Sting Energy transformed a shared sensory experience into an unmissable brand moment. As part of the partnership, Sting Energy will now supercharge fan experiences across 21 races – through immersive brand activations, co-branded products, on-pack promotions, and digital storytelling.

PepsiCo, today, announced the groundbreaking multi-year global partnership with Sting Energy as the Official Energy Drink of Formula 1.

The BMW i7 Now Available At A Uniform Price Across The Nation

Joydip SurLeave a comment

BMW India has introduced a unique offer on its flagship electric limousine – the BMW i7 – for benefit of customers across the nation. The first-of-its-kind offer provides a uniform pricing for the BMW i7 regardless of the registration location. In the specially designed new pricing, the customers do not need to incur the registration cost for BMW i7, as such cost will be borne by BMW India and administered by the authorized dealership.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India said,” BMW India has always looked as electric mobility as a holistic concept. We are the pioneers and leaders in the luxury electric mobility space with a novel approach to electric products and services. The introduction of a uniform price for the customers of BMW i7 will ensure price parity for our valuable customers regardless of which location they want to register their vehicle in. With this innovative offer, our focus is on customer centricity and encouraging the adoption of electric mobility with added benefits. As the vehicle of choice of leaders and luminaries with next-level style and substance, the i7 will continue to shape forwardism in every way.”

The current ex-showroom price of the BMW i7 is INR 2,05,00,000.

The first-ever BMW i7 is a true all-electric luxury sedan that clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. The i7 offers all-electric innovation, visionary design, and powerful driving dynamics that make a striking impression.

It makes a visual statement by taking a considerable leap forward in terms of design and dimensions. The headlights are divided into two parts. At the top are the daytime running lights, complete with the BMW Crystal Headlights. Another distinguished feature is the strikingly illuminated BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille surround that lends an unmistakeable appearance.

In the interior, the innovative BMW Interaction Bar defines the revolutionary cockpit design. BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes the freestanding BMW Curved Display with Navigation with real-time traffic information and augmented view. Unique and innovative features in the rear take comfort to a new level. A key feature here is Rear Seat Entertainment Experience with BMW Theatre Screen.

The Executive Lounge Seating behind the front passenger reclines to 42.5 degrees, offering a true first-class experience thanks to multifunction seats, massage function, active seat ventilation and rear console. My Modes can be used to turn every journey into an individual experience by combining sound, light, temperature, suspension settings and seat functions to create a particular mood.

BMW ConnectedDrive technology breaks the innovation barrier and turns the car into an interconnected digital device. It includes BMW ID, MyBMW App, Digital Key Plus, Emergency Call, Real-time Traffic Information, Remote Services, smartphone parking and Amazon Fire TV.

The spread of Driver Assistance Systems is more extensive than ever and includes Cruise Control, Attentiveness Assistant, Parking Assistant Professional with remote parking via smartphone and Reversing Assistant, Steering and Lane Control Assistant.

Fifth generation BMW eDrive technology in the BMW i7 eDrive50 features a highly integrated drive unit. The car instantly accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.5 seconds. It produces an output of 449 hp and a maximum torque of 650 Nm. The car has a range of up to 603 kms (WLTP).

Rolls-Royce Celebrates Floral Art In Chelsea With Spectre

Joydip SurLeave a comment

The ongoing success of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is based upon an intimate understanding of the unique world in which its clients live, socialise and entertain. In this spirit, the marque delights in maintaining a gentle presence in the world’s luxury hotspots.

This week, Rolls-Royce Spectre is joining clients in celebrating the breathtaking floral art displayed in the streets and residence entryways in the heart of Chelsea, South-West London. In keeping with the flower-inspired theme and reflecting the brand’s enduring connection with nature, the Spectre is finished in Velvet Orchid – one of nature’s most captivating flowers, admired for its rich colour, velvety texture and luxurious appearance – and complemented by a delicate hand-painted Peony Pink Coachline.

Floral motifs have long inspired Rolls-Royce Bespoke commissions. Nature – and flowers in particular – provide a rich language of symbolism, sentiment and beauty. This Spectre follows some recent exceptional commissions inspired by the natural world, including the celebrated Phantom Cherry Blossom and Daisy Cullinan. These creations are not simply motor cars, but deeply personal artworks – each a reflection of the commissioning clients’ values, identity and lifestyle.

Boris Weletzky, Regional Director, United Kingdom, Europe and Central Asia, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars“As the British Season begins, we’re delighted to join the celebration of floral art in Chelsea this week, a popular event in the social calendar for many of our clients. Dress codes are an inherent part of the allure for such an occasion and, like our clients, we like to hit the brief. We debuted a striking Rolls-Royce Spectre finished in Velvet Orchid with a Peony Pink Coachline, reflecting the quiet confidence and refined beauty that resonates with our clients and defines our marque.”

Petronas TVS Racing Gears Up for the 17th INSC with Stellar Rider Line-Up and Upgraded Race Machines

Joydip SurLeave a comment

Backed by a rich racing pedigree since 1982, PETRONAS TVS Racing is set to ignite the track once again at the 2025 season of the FMSCI Indian National Supercross Championship (INSC), which begins in Vadodara on May 23–24, 2025. After a dominant 2024 season that reaffirmed its leadership in Indian two-wheeler racing, India’s first factory racing team returns with renewed focus, upgraded machines, and a powerful 8-rider line-up. The squad includes seasoned champions and expert riders like Rugved Barguje, Ikshan Shanbhag, and Prajwal V, who will compete in Group A – Foreign Open SX1, along with Imran Pasha, Banteilang Jyrwa, and D Sachin, who will race in Group B – Indian Expert category. They are joined by rising talents Jayden Wandame Nongkhlaw and Shailesh Kumar, who will compete in the Indian Novice Group B.

PETRONAS TVS Racing will field its state-of-the-art TR 300X (Group A – up to 500cc) and TR 200X (Group B – up to 260cc) race machines this season. These upgraded bikes feature advanced camshaft and cylinder head designs that deliver superior mid-range torque and high-RPM performance. With improved suspension systems and refined ergonomics, the machines promise enhanced control, traction, and cornering agility giving TVS racers a competitive edge on the track.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company said, “Building on last year’s championship triumph, PETRONAS TVS Racing is geared up to set new benchmarks in 2025. All upgrade to our machines and every hour dedicated to rider development reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Our 8-rider line-up is a perfect blend of experience and emerging talent, ready to push the limits. We are proud of the incredible momentum we’ve built over the years — from consistent podium finishes to nurturing India’s finest Supercross champions. This year is even more special as we celebrate 20 years of our flagship performance brand, TVS Apache, which perfectly embodies our ‘Track to Road’ philosophy. As we charge into the new season, we aim not just to race, but to raise the bar for motorsports in India once again.”

Underscoring its long-standing commitment to developing Indian motorsport talent, PETRONAS TVS Racing continues to invest heavily in training of the racers. For the new season of INSC, TVS Racing has invested in Advanced SX training sessions, especially for SX1-class riders, aimed at enhancing endurance, agility, and tactical skills to equip athletes for the rigorous physical and strategic demands of elite Supercross racing.

PETRONAS TVS Racing team’s racer line up  for INSC 2025:

S. No.Racer NameParticipation GroupBikes
1Rugved BargujeGroup A – Foreign Open SX 1 (up to 500cc) 
2Ikshan ShanbhagTR300 X
3Prajwal V 
4Imran PashaGroup B – Indian Expert(up to 260 cc) 
5Banteilang JyrwaTR200 X
6D Sachin 
7Jayden Wandame NongkhlawGroup B – Indian Novice(up to 260 cc) TR200 X
8Shailesh Kumar 

For over 43 years, TVS Racing has been at the forefront of Indian motorsports, continuously pushing the boundaries of racing excellence. This commitment to innovation and performance extends beyond the racetrack into TVS Motor Company’s flagship motorcycle brand, TVS Apache, which celebrates 20 years of engineering excellence this year. The TVS Apache series embodies TVS Racing’s ‘Track to Road’ philosophy, integrating race-derived technology into high-performance motorcycles. Spanning 160cc, 180cc, 200cc, and 310cc models, the lineup features segment-first innovations, from ride-by-wire technology to race-tuned fuel injection.

With over 400,000 riders in the Apache Owners Group (AOG), TVS Apache has built a passionate global community, bringing the thrill of racing to streets and track enthusiasts alike. As it enters its next chapter, TVS Apache remains dedicated to offering cutting-edge performance, redefining what it means to ride with power and precision.

The MINI 3-Door Cooper S Now With Price Protection Assurance

Joydip SurLeave a comment

In a unique initiative for its customers, MINI India has announced a price protection assurance program for the MINI 3-Door Cooper S. The program is designed to provide complete peace of mind and pass on the benefits of any price reduction in the near future.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “MINI has always stood for innovation and a bold character. With the price protection assurance program for MINI 3-Door Cooper S, MINI is staying a step ahead and ensuring that customers are able to receive the full benefit of any major price reductions resulting from anticipated duty cuts. They can buy their favourite MINI today and do not have to wait longer to make the purchase decision. This bold decision reflects the brand’s exceptional focus on customer centricity, trust and best interest of the MINI community.”

The price protection program is valid on the MINI 3-Door Cooper S which is available in India as a Completely Built-up Unit. The model is produced at MINI Plant Oxford in United Kingdom.

Under the limited period offer, cars bought from now onwards will be covered till the next 180 days. If price is reduced during this period, the respective dealership will refund the differential amount between the net invoiced price and the new ex-showroom price back to the customer. The current ex-showroom price of the MINI 3-Door Cooper S starts at INR 44,90,000. The offer can be availed at any authorised MINI dealership in India.

The other model of the new MINI family – the all-electric MINI Countryman – is not covered under the offer. It is available in India as a Completely Built-up Unit and is produced at BMW Group Plant Leipzig in Germany.

Hero Motorsports Team Rally Welcomes Tobias Ebster To Its Rider Line-Up

Joydip SurLeave a comment

Hero MotoSports Team Rally has added promising young talent Tobias Ebster to its international rider line-up, following a highly successful 2024 season.

Tobias Ebster, 27, from Zillertal, Austria, is widely recognised as one of rally racing’s most promising rising stars. He entered his first rally just four years ago — the Hellas Rally Raid — after establishing a solid background in motocross and enduro. His breakthrough came in 2022, when he won the prestigious FIM Bajas World Cup in Dubai. He continued to impress by securing victory in the Rally 2 category at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, outperforming a field of seasoned competitors.

A trained mechanical engineering technician, Tobias has taken on a range of freelance jobs — including landscaper, taxi driver, plumber, pizza delivery rider, and carpenter — to maintain a flexible schedule that supports his intense training and racing commitments.

In his debut Dakar Rally last year — Tobias delivered a remarkable performance. Displaying exceptional grit and endurance, he claimed victory in the grueling “Original by Motul” category without any assistance and finished an impressive 20th overall, earning the coveted title of Best Rookie. His determination and talent also secured him a Dakar entry through the “Road to Dakar” program, a dream he pursued and achieved despite significant setbacks. In Dakar 2025, competing once again as a privateer — but this time with assistance — Tobias raised the bar even higher. He finished an astonishing 9th overall, emerging as the top privateer in the field.

Tobias is set to make his debut race appearance with Hero MotoSports later this month at the South African Safari Rally. This event, making its first appearance on the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) calendar, serves as the third round of the 2025 season. Tobias will line up alongside teammates Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo for the rally.

Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Tobias Ebster to the Hero MotoSports family! His addition comes at a truly exciting time for us, following our historic World Championship victory led by our star rider Ross Branch. In just over nine years, Hero MotoSports has firmly established itself among the top teams in rally racing, and the arrival of a world-class talent like Tobias – current leader of the Rally2 championship – marks another major milestone in our journey.”

“Tobias already shares a strong bond with several of our riders, and we are excited to see that camaraderie come alive once again under the Hero MotoSports banner. His impressive will to work upwork his career to where he stands now, and true spirit of sportsmanship perfectly align with our team’s values and ambitions. We are confident Tobias will play a significant role in elevating our performance even further this season and beyond. With new energy, renewed determination, and exciting new talent, we look forward to an incredible season ahead!”

Tobias Ebster, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, said: “I’m thrilled and deeply honoured to be joining Hero MotoSports, a team that has been making headlines for all the right reasons. I’ve followed the team’s incredible rise over the past few years and have always admired how quickly they’ve become a force to reckon with in rally racing. It’s an exciting time to join, and I’m fully committed to giving my best and contributing to the team’s continued success.”

“I look forward to racing alongside some of the most talented and promising riders in the sport, many of whom I also consider close friends. I sincerely thank Hero MotoSports for placing their trust in me — it’s a true privilege to represent the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters at some of the toughest and most iconic races around the world!”

Born into a family deeply rooted in motorsport, Tobias found his passion for two wheels at an early age, receiving his first bike at just four years old. Guided by his uncle Heinz Kinigadner — a two-time Motocross World Champion and rally-raid legend — Tobias developed his skills across motocross and desert racing, laying the foundation for what promises to be an outstanding career in rally-raid. With an already impressive trajectory early in his career, Tobias brings immense talent and resilience to the Hero MotoSports squad.