Back to the action in the USA for Mahindra

Aug. 15, 2012

The Mahindra team gets back into action this weekend, when Moto3 gets going again at the classic Indianapolis “Brickyard”.
 
While the MotoGP bikes raced at Laguna Seca, the smallest capacity grand prix class had a break of more than a month after the last round at Mugello in Italy – a useful chance for the only Indian team in the series to consolidate lessons learned in the first half year, and check out future developments for the second.
 
Mahindra fields two bikes with its own engine and chassis on the 35-strong Moto3 grid. Most of the field uses proprietary production-racing engines from established factories. For Mahindra, developing its own technology will be more valuable – but the road is harder, and the time scale for ultimate success is greater.
 
Even so, the white-and-red machines regularly challenge for the points, and Mahindra’s determination to improve is as powerful as ever.
 
This is the fifth GP at the purpose-built infield circuit at the famous Indianapolis facility, based around the classic banked oval circuit. The bikes use only part of the front straight – including the “yard of bricks” start-finish line. The rest of the 2.62-mile circuit loops through the infield in a series of tight and technical turns.
 
 
DANNY WEBB
I’ve had a good holiday, and been keeping fit with training and motocross. Indy wasn’t great for me last year as I injured my hand and couldn’t race, but I like the circuit – it’s technical and after resurfacing last year was pretty slippery. I don’t mind that, and it could work in our favour. I’ll be trying as hard as I can for points, like always, and I’m looking forward to it a lot.
 
RICCARDO MORETTI
This is only my second race on the bike, at a track I have never seen before. My main focus is on getting information for the engineers, to keep moving the development of this bike forward.