Mahindra Racing's Sarath Kumar finishes third at CIV-Italian Championship in Monza
Creates history as first Indian to secure a podium finish in an international motorsports event in Europe!
Mahindra Racing’s Sarath Kumar competes at Monza
MONZA, Italy, April 29, 2012 – Mahindra Racing’s, young Indian Sarath Kumar created history at the CIV-Italian Championship in Monza where he finished third, getting his first ever podium finish. This is the first time an Indian has secured a place on the podium at an international motorsports event in Europe. The Indian rider originally placed fourth but moved up in the rankings after third place winner, Andrea Mantovani, was disqualified due to engine irregularities.
Sarath moved off pretty well from the grid and rapidly found a good pace that allowed him to recover many positions to finish 3rd in the 125GP. The Indian rider also clocked a remarkable time of 25:38:775 today.
Recently, Sarath also became the first Indian to score points in this competitive Championship during the second round in Imola.
On the other hand, the winner of the first two rounds Ricardo Morreti was forced into early retirement after his bike suddenly turned off due to technical issues.
After the third round 125GP, Kumar climbs up the classification to 5th place with 22 points and Moretti now lies in second position in the standings with 50 points. The next two CIV races will take place on June 23rd and 24th at Mugello's Autodromo Nazionale.
Commenting on his position today, Sarath Kumar said, "A podium finish at the Italian Championship is a dream come true for me! I got off to a good start and was able to recover a lot of positions up to the 14th place. It was my first time in Monza, a circuit I am quickly getting accustomed to - it’s a really fast one! I want to thank all my technical staff, my manager and team Mahindra for their support.”
Riccardo Moretti, "I was able to take the lead when at Variante Ascari the engine of my bike turned off. I was able to get back to the pits and after that to get back on track, but the problem emerged once again and I had to withdraw from the race. It was a very unlucky day on a track that we did not know, and that gave us many issues. I hope to change this DNF and do better in the rest of the championship because I want to be back to first place in the standings."
Mufaddal Choonia, COO, Mahindra Racing said, “All of us at Mahindra Racing are absolutely delighted with Sarath’s achievement! We have had a good start to the season with our first two wins and are very pleased with the progress made by him. It’s unfortunate for Moretti, but we can make it up in the next round.”
About Mahindra Racing
Mahindra Racing is the first Indian team to participate in the FIM MotoGP™ World Motorcycle Racing Championship (in 2011) and the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (CIV, in 2012).
On the world stage, the Indian factory team signed off its 2011 debut season on a high note with action packed performances by both its riders. Marcel Schrötter finished 15th overall in the 125cc Rider's Championship and the team finished a strong third overall in the Constructor's Championship. Danny Webb made history when he secured pole position in Valencia in the last race of the 125cc era. The team takes this learning into its participation in the all new Moto3™ class which replaced the 125cc class from the 2012 season onwards.
In the CIV in Italy, the team has teamed up Indian rider Sarath Kumar with ex Italian Champion Riccardo Moretti in the 125 GP Class. The team became the first from India to win an international motorsport event when Riccardo took the chequered flag at the season-opening race of the CIV in Mugello, Italy on 25 March, 2012. Another brilliant victory on the Imola circuit on 8 April, 2012, established Moretti and his team firmly at the top of the standings.
For further information please visit: www.mahindraracing.com
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 US $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.
For further information, please visit www.mahindra.com
Connect with us on www.facebook.com/mahindragroup