Mahindra Racing scores first points in 2012 Moto3 season

Mahindra Racing’s German rider, Marcel Schrotter rode extremely well under the grueling rainy conditions that prevailed during the Moto3 class race at the French MotoGP. Despite the conditions getting consistently difficult to race and a start from the back of the grid due to problems suffered during qualifying, the 19-year old Schrotter showed incredible sense and steadiness to finish the race in 12^th place, handing the Indian team its first championship points in the new Moto3 class. It was an absolutely tricky race that saw only half out of the total number of 33 riders completing the 28-lap race.

Schrotter’s team-mate Danny Webb too had a tough weekend as the Brit rider was forced to start the race from the grid due to some technical problem experienced on the grid. Playing catch up to the remaining pack, Webb tried pushing harder in order to join the pack ahead of him but crashed out as the demanding on-track conditions only made it difficult for him to keep up the pace. However, the four points scored by Marcel gave the Indian team something to cheer for before preparing for the next round at Catalunya.

Speaking about the result, Mahindra Racing COO Mufaddal Choonia said “It shows that you must never give up. We are working hard to develop this new machine and there is a lot of work to do. But if we all work together we can do it.”

MARCEL SCHRÖTTER – 12th Position

We had so many problems this weekend and the conditions were treacherous. Our engine is quite aggressive, making it more difficult in the wet. From the start, it was so difficult – so slippery you could hardly go round the corners. By the end I just wanted to finish, even if I lost positions. But it paid off, because so many other riders crashed, and I did finish and it is good to get points.

DANNY WEBB – Did Not Finish

I had a problem on the grid and had to start from pit lane ... they’d already gone when I got going. I overtook one person and had quite a nice rhythm. I could see I was starting to catch Marcel, then I tried a little bit too hard, and the bike was down. We’ve had loads of problems this weekend, but we’ll keep trying and we’ll be alright.