Mahindra unveils 2012 Moto3 challenger

Indian outfit Mahindra Racing unveiled its new Moto3 challenger, the MGP30 at the MotoGP season finale at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo Circuit. Earlier this year, Mahindra became the first Indian company to enter MotoGPand the team aims to finish the season on a high by claiming third place in the Constructors’ Championship and 15th in the riders’ standings for German teenager Marcel Schrötter.

“I have been watching our progress in the 125cc class all year and am now delighted to finally have the opportunity to witness the fantastic spectacle of MotoGP first hand,” said Mr Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. “I am doubly pleased to be able to unveil the Mahindra Racing MGP30 in person. We have used the final year of the 125cc class to study and learn while concurrently developing our Moto3 bike in Italy. I am very proud of the achievement of our team, riders and engineers this year and very excited by the prospect of watching our wonderful new bike compete in this new class in 2012.

“Mahindra has made a strong commitment to MotoGP. We are here for the long term and we intend to succeed. Ladies and gentlemen, watch out! The Indians are coming.”

The Mahindra MGP30 has been developed in conjunction with specialist two-wheeler design firm Engines Engineering. The package, liveried in red and white, features a tubular steel frame and aluminium swing arm. The Mahindra-homologated 250cc, single-cylinder engine has been developed in conjunction with Oral Engineering.

Mahindra Racing’s 20-year-old British rider Danny Webb capped an exciting first day in the paddock for Mr Mahindra by recording a stunning pole position. It was the Indian team’s first-ever and historic for being the last ever World Championship 125cc pole.