Best-ever result, a second podium for Mahindra in Germany; Cruel race for Oliveira
Sachsenring (Germany), 13 July 2014: Mahindra’s MGP3O Moto3™ machine claimed a best-yet result and second top-three podium finish in a row in today’s German GP, in front of capacity crowds at the atmospheric Sachsenring, closing the first half of the 2014 season with yet more success.
On Sunday, South African Brad Binder, riding for Ambrogio Racing, put his customer Mahindra in the fight for the win throughout the 27-lap race, and crossed the line second,
just 0.180 seconds behind victor Jack Miller (KTM).
It was proof yet again of the growing strength of the only Indian motorcycle in top-level world championship racing, on a day that the prominent Aspar Team confirmed that they too will switch to the MGP3O next year, further growing the status of Mahindra on the grid.
But it was a cruel race for official Mahindra Racing rider Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese teenager, third two weeks ago at Assen, had qualified 19th after rain disrupted the session before he had completed his fast run. In yet another blazing ride, Miguel climbed rapidly through the tightly-packed field, gaining four places on the first lap alone.
The striking white-and-red Mahindra was through to sixth, now leading a huge chase pack, after 19 laps, but hopes of further improvement were dashed when another rider fell inside him, and knocked him flying.
There was some compensation for the team, as second rider Arthur Sissis claimed his best result of his first year on the MGP3O, opening his World Championship account with 13th place.
“To be honest, my first podium feels two years too late,” said an elated Binder after the race. “It feels so good. The team and I have been working so hard, on the bike and away from the track with training, and the Mahindra is really coming better. I gave 100 percent to try for the win, but Jack (Miller) rode a really good last lap, and just didn’t give me the space.”
Enjoying Binder’s success while visiting the Sachsenring to meet with the Aspar Team, was Mr SP Shukla, Chairman of Mahindra Racing and President of Strategy and Chief Brand Officer for Mahindra Group. “We are delighted with today’s developments – both the Aspar partnership and Binder’s great result on a Mahindra bike,” he commented. “Both amply demonstrate the capability and potential of the Mahindra package, and we look forward to more success in the second half of the season.”
The German GP was round nine of 18, and now the MotoGP paddock disperses for the summer break. The second half of the season resumes in Indianapolis on August 10.
Arthur Sissis, Mahindra Racing – 13th place
“I had a decent start and I was okay in the group, then somebody crashed in front of me, and I lost a lot of time. I managed to get a good rhythm again and regained the back of the group by the finish. It’s good to get some points on the board, but with a bit more time it could have been even better.”
Miguel Oliveira, Mahindra Racing – Did Not Finish
“I’m quite angry. It’s been a weekend of some very bad luck. Rain in qualifying meant I had a really bad starting position. In the race I fought to the front of the group, and it could have been a good result. To be taken out like that was cruel. Now I have to look forward to the summer break, and coming back stronger.”
Mufaddal Choonia, CEO Mahindra Racing
“It’s been a day with a lot of excitement. We announced a major new partnership with Team Aspar, while Brad Binder got the best-ever finish for the Mahindra MGP3O. Miguel’s cruel luck was hard to swallow, but we are still going home delighted, with even more enthusiasm to bring to Indianapolis next month.
Ends
