South African rider gives Mahindra its best Moto3 Grand Prix race result ever! Sachsenring, Germany, July 13, 2014: Mahindra’s MGP3O Moto3™ racing motorcycle claimed a best-yet result and second top-three podium finish in a row in this weekends German GP, in front of capacity crowds at the atmospheric Sachsenring, closing the first half of the 2014 season on a successful note. South African Brad Binder, riding for Ambrogio Racing, put his customer 250cc 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). This made Binder the first South African in 29 years to achieve a podium placing in a motorcycle world championship Grand Prix. The previous person to achieve this honour was Mario Rademeyer, who took third place the 250cc race at the South African motorcycle Grand Prix in 1985. “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 high profile Aspar Team, which is switching to Mahindra machines in 2015, 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.” 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. 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.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 07:29:23 +0000
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