Mahindra take positives from Catalunya

Montmeló, Barcelona – Sunday, 3 June, 2012: Two non-finishes may not seem like a good result, but the Indian Mahindra team had many positives to take from the Catalan GP. Although both the all-independent white-and-red machines were robbed of good finishes by small mishaps, progress with the developing machine left riders and team confident that the fifth race of the year marked a clear step forward.

Danny Webb (21, from England) was running strongly in a group including full factory machines when he was pushed off the track on the 17th of 22 laps of the 4.727-km Montmelo circuit, and was unable to restart.

German team-mate Marcel Schrötter (19) was close behind and catching the group when clutch trouble forced him to pull off on the same lap.

The Mahindra MGP-30 is one of a small handful of independent bikes in a Moto3™ field of over-the-counter production machines from established racing factories. Still in the early stages of its development, the Mahindra has shown it is already able to make its mark in the new class for 250cc single-cylinder four-strokes.

Mahindra Racing’s CEO Mufaddal Choonia explained how the disappointment at not adding to the points gained at the last round was tempered by encouraging aspects. “All the hard work and effort from the factory in the last two weeks to improve reliability seems to have paid off. We had no engine issues all weekend. Danny rode a very good race fighting with other factory bikes ... but as happens sometimes in racing a small mishap stopped him. But we definitely have some positives to take to the next race at Silverstone,” he said.

DANNY WEBB – Did Not Finish

For me it was a positive race, fighting with three factory KTMs. Our engine performance still needs some improvement, but when the tyres start to wear our chassis is fantastic and I could put the bike exactly where I wanted. I could stay with the group and I was sure I could overtake them as the race went on. Unfortunately another rider came across me under braking and we touched. I ran over the kerb and slipped off and the engine stalled. Because of the high compression and slipper clutch it’s not possible to push-start these bikes. But I feel like we have taken one step forward.

MARCEL SCHRÖTTER – Did Not Finish

I lost some places off the start, and it was hard to make them up. I was faster in the corners but it was difficult to get close enough to attack under brakes. I got through and I was closing on Danny’s group, though it is more difficult when you are alone and have no slipstream. In the last laps I felt comfortable and I could push, but the clutch started to slip and I had to stop.

Ends

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 USD 15.4 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

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