Mahindra Prepare For Final Charge With Renewed Vigor

A number of exciting developments have occurred during the summer break, Mahindra set to build on the thrilling start to 2016.
 
There are still nine races to go and Austria ushers in the second half of the 2016 season with a new challenge; none of the Moto3 World Championship field has run in a race at the Red Bull Ring – Spielberg before. It will be a weekend of learning for all Mahindra riders, especially Marcos Ramirez who joins the Platinum Bay Real Estate Team alongside Darryn Binder. Ramirez hails from the Moto3 Junior World Championship and is currently locked in a tight battle with Italian rider Lorenzo Dalla Porta for the title.
 
The final nine races of the year present an excellent opportunity to reinforce the progress made by Mahindra Racing in 2016, which is easily their best season so far in terms of podium finishes. Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia has already brought incredible joy to Mahindra with his fantastic maiden win in Assen. The German GP showed there’s still plenty more to come from the rest of the Mahindra riders, the new gearbox helping Jorge Martin to challenge at the sharp end during practice and bringing consistency across the board. John McPhee was full of praise for the upgrade after taking sixth place in the race, his best result of the season.
 
Mufaddal Choonia, CEO, Mahindra Racing
 
“It has been a very positive season in almost every regard so far. Pecco has done an incredible job and his close fourth place in the championship standings is well deserved. Sachsenring showed us that the new gearbox is definitely a step forward as both Jorge and John were strong during the weekend. The team in Besozzo are working tirelessly and we’re already seeing good results, as shown in the CIV with Marco’s performance. Austria is going to be a big test for all the teams and riders as it is new, no previous data. Friday will be a day of learning. It would have been great if there was an official test at the circuit so that all the teams could get a chance to come in on Friday armed with a base setting. The circuit wasn’t available for many teams who wanted to test there, including ours. We’re excited for what the coming nine races will offer, especially in Misano where we will celebrate our 100th Grand Prix in the World Championship.”
 
Bezzecchi dominates aboard the MGP3O
 
Marco Bezzecchi, currently riding the Mahindra MGP3O in the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship with the Mahindra Junior Team, returned to his native Italy to race in the Italian domestic championship as a wildcard between CEV rounds. The talented Italian took to the Misano World Circuit aboard a development spec MGP3O, beginning to test several parts and upgrades planned for the 2017 season.
 
His performance did not disappoint as he dominated both races at the sea-side Misano circuit. The combination of Bezzecchi and the MGP3O was untouchable as he crossed the line over three seconds ahead of his closest rival in both races. With an ever growing level of confidence, Bezzecchi now prepares for his next challenge: running with the Moto3 World Championship in Austria as a wildcard alongside CEV teammate Stefano Manzi. Mahindra Racing hopes to have these riders make a few appearances as wildcards over the second half of the year to assist in the ongoing development of the 2017 Mahindra MGP3O project.