Mahindra racing showed its GP125 race-bike in full racing livery at the recently concluded MotoGP tests in Portugal
At the final day of the MotoGP tests held at the Estoril circuit in Portugal, Mahindra Racing Team showcased its 125cc GO race-bike in the actual red and silver racing livery. After a brief display of the race-bike, the team reverted back to all-black paint scheme for the remaining tests. Developed and engineered by Mahindra-owned Engines Engineering from Italy, the Mahindra Racing team’s 2011 season challenger was piloted by Danny Webb in the complete 2011 racing colours. Joining him was Marcel Schrotter who also completed a few laps in the tests on the Mahindra GP125 despite horrible weather conditions. This is the first time that an Indian two-wheeler manufacturer will be entering the world of MotoGP and there are great hopes from the team which is backed by one of the biggest and strongest conglomerates in the country.
Speaking to motogp.com on Mahindra’s participation in the MotoGP Championships, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group, said, “It is a matter of great pride for us to be the first Indian motorcycle manufacturer to participate in the world’s most prestigious motorcycling event. MotoGP is the ultimate test in motorcycle racing and an immensely popular event with an extremely loyal fan following. Mahindra motorcycles will compete with the best in the world and it will be an ideal opportunity for us to showcase our strengths in the engineering and IT domains.”
“Today was very special for me as I saw the bike on track for the first time in Mahindra’s colours and I am happy to say it looks good,” Mufaddal Choonia, Team Principal Mahindra Racing Team told motogp.com. “It was a difficult test as the weather conditions were very poor for testing, but the laps we managed were very encouraging and built on the progress we made in last week’s three-day test at Valencia.”
“The weather really was awful in Estoril, and about the only time we had a clear sky was when I went out with the silver and red,” said rider Danny Webb. “The bike looks mega and the colours really stand out so I’m happy about that. Valencia was good as I got to know everyone in the team so we were able to move forwards here despite the bad weather.
Speaking about his first ride over the Mahindra GP125, Schrotter said, “It was a good feeling riding the bike here and in Valencia. Everyone in the team is working well and we’re making good progress. The bike looks great and everything is in place to develop it to my riding style. If we get some good dry running in Jerez I am confident we’ll be well placed for Qatar.”
Due to the treacherous weather conditions, the accurate performance and the lap times of the Mahindra GP125 could not be assessed but the team is confident they are on the right track as both the riders are feeling confident and enthusiastic about the development in the team and the machinery. The Indian team will return to Spain at the Jerez circuit for the final pre-season tests scheduled from 4-6th of March 2011 before the opening round of the 2011 MotoGP season kick-starts at Qatar from 17-20th March 2011.
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