Mahindra salvage top ten in rain-wrecked race

Silverstone, 30 August 2015: Mapfre Team Mahindra rider Juanfran Guevara rode the flood for his best result of the year in today’s British Grand Prix, surviving a rain-swamped crash-fest to claim seventh place.
 
It was a first top-ten finish for the Spanish racer, and some recompense for the fate that claimed the other two Mapfre Mahindra riders.
 
Pecco Bagnaia had ridden a canny but forceful race, and by the closing stages was one of three bikes going for second place. As the pace hotted up, the Italian paid the price, slipping off and out of the race.
 
Jorge Martin had an even more eventful afternoon. Up to fourth place from 16th on the grid, he slipped off on the second lap. Hastily remounting, he had fought back into the top ten when it happened again. Undaunted he got back on, and was again in the points when his third strike put him out.
 
While the end result was not what the team and riders deserved, the pace of the only Indian machine in the world championship series was proof of steady progress, and an ever-stronger challenge for regular podium finishes to add to the third at Le Mans this year.
 
JUANFRAN GUEVARA – Seventh Place
 
We did a good race – a good start and first lap, passing a lot from the beginning. In these conditions we took some risks, but didn’t push to the limit because I saw many other riders crash, and I was determined to finish. Overall I am pleased: I kept my best position to the end, didn’t crash, and had a good feeling with the bike. I hope we can keep it up for the next race.
 
MUFADDAL CHOONIA – CEO, Mahindra Racing
 
It could have been a double podium. Jorge Martin had the pace and the position when he fell; and Pecco Bagnaia was fighting for what could have been second at the finish. The reality was different – but Silverstone’s silver lining was that Pecco has found his rhythm again, and was in the position he deserves as a factory rider. Hats off to Martin, who was as fast as the leaders when he was on track, and in spite of already crashing twice was fighting for a top ten. And to Guevara, who kept a steady pace and got a high finish for it.