Stunning victory for Mahindra Racing at 125 GP Italian Championship
First Indian company team to win international motorsport event; Italian debut win showcases Mahindra's two wheeler technology & engineering strength
Mahindra Racing’s Riccardo Moretti takes his position as the winner on the podium at the 125 GP Italian Championship in Mugello, Italy
March 26, 2012, Mumbai: Team Mahindra Racing's Riccardo Moretti stormed to a stunning victory at the opening race of the season at the 125 GP Italian Championship held in Mugello, Italy over the weekend.
"When we made our MotoGP debut in 2011, we dreamt of becoming the first Indian company team to win an international motorsport event. Mahindra Racing's victory is thus, a triumph not only for the Mahindra Group but for Indian Motor sports. Riccardo's strong showing is testimony to our strengths in the engineering and technology domains and has ensured greater equity for brand India and brand Mahindra across the globe.
The MotoGP platform has also allowed us to showcase our two-wheeler technology and prove our engineering, design and endurance skills, along with the fact that we can compete with the best in the world," said Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group.
Moretti's strong performance in qualifying sessions held the previous day, ensured pole position and a swift start in Sunday's race helped him maintain and extend his lead. As the race went into its second half, Moretti's advantage on the runner-up grew to an amazing ten seconds and he crossed the finish line with a big margin over the rest of the field.
Co-driver Sarath Kumar settled into a good rhythm, overtaking several riders ahead of him before having to retire due to a technical issue.
Mahindra Racing signs off debut season with hi-octane performances
Mahindra Racing, the first Indian team to participate in MotoGP World Motorcycle Racing Championship 2011, signed off its debut season on a high note with action packed performances by both its riders. The last round at Valencia saw Mahindra Racing creating history when rider Danny Webb clocked the fastest time in qualifying practice and started the last ever 125cc race on pole position. Rider Marcel Schrötter finished 15th overall in the 125cc Rider's Championship and the team finished a strong third overall in the Constructor's Championship.
Mahindra Racing recorded its best result for the season at the Australian Grand Prix with riders Danny Webb and Marcel Schrötter finishing 10th and 11th respectively. The season saw three more double point results by the 2 riders at the Aragon, Brno and Assen rounds. At the Assen GP in June, Marcel also achieved his personal best, finishing with a fine 9th place. Mahindra Racing has written its name firmly in the record books after a first year of learning, ready to take a step forward next year in the all-new Moto3 category that replaces the traditional 125s.
The Mahindra Group was the first Indian motorcycle manufacturer to enter a team into the prestigious FIM Road Racing World Championship (MotoGP) in 2011.
About The Mahindra Group
The Mahindra Group focuses on enabling people to rise. Mahindra operates in the key industries that drive economic growth, enjoying a leadership position in tractors, utility vehicles, information technology and vacation ownership. Mahindra has a presence in the automotive industry, agribusiness, aerospace, components, consulting services, defence, energy, financial services, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, retail, steel and two wheelers.
A USD 14.4 billion multinational group based in Mumbai, India, Mahindra employs more than 144,000 people in over 100 countries.
In 2011, Mahindra featured on the Forbes Global 2000 list, a listing of the biggest and most powerful listed companies in the world. Dun & Bradstreet also ranked Mahindra at No. 1 in the automobile sector in its list of India's Top 500 Companies. In 2010, Mahindra featured in the Credit Suisse Great Brands of Tomorrow.
In 2011, Mahindra acquired a majority stake in Korea's SsangYong Motor Company.
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For further information please contact:
Senior VP & Group Head - Corporate Communication
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd
Phone: (+91-22) 24901441
Email: balwani.roma@mahindra.com