Mahindra Racing MotoGP Achievements In 2013

It is ironic that Mahindra, one of India's smallest two wheeler manufacturer, is the sole OEM from the country that has emerged in the international motorcycle motor racing scene as a name to be reckoned with.

The Indian two wheeler manufacturer, which does not even offer a production sport bike yet is also the company that's has entered MotoGP World Motorcycle Racing in the Moto3 class with a 250cc race spec motorcycle of its own.

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Named Mahindra MGO30, the Moto3 racer was developed with the aid of Swiss firm Suter Racing Technology AG. The motorcycle has brought glory to the young racing team, with Spanish Efrén Vázquez (27) and Portuguese Miguel Oliveira (18) as team riders.

2013, the team's third year in MotoGP, saw them achieve several milestones and it was also the year when Mahindra Racing became a serious contender for World Championship title. Following are some of the highlights from the 2013 Moto3 season.

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At the Malaysian Grand Prix, rider Oliveira managed to achieve the team's first ever podium finish. This was a historic moment as it was also the first ever podium finish for an Indian manufacturer in a MotoGP World Championship race.

Mahindra Racing consistently finished in the top 5 throughout the season, achieved a pole position and even managed to set three circuit lap records.

At the end of the 2013 Moto3 season, Mahindra Racing held the third position in Constructors' rankings.

Following its exploits, the MGP30 is now in much demand as three global racing teams - Ambrogio Racing, CIP Moto3 and Team Italia - have opted for Mahindra's 250cc motorcycle. This is a historic milestone for Indian motorsports as during the 2014 season 8 Mahindra motorcycles will compete in the Moto3 championship.

Besides its acheivements in MotoGP, Mahindra Racing also won the Constructors' Title in the 2013 season of Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship. The team participated in the Moto3 (250cc, 4 stroke) class with riders Andrea Locatelli (17) and Michael Rinaldi (18). The riders finished in first and and second places, with 167 and 145 points respectively.

"Being the first Indian company to participate in the world's most prestigious two-wheeled race series is a matter of great pride. Mahindra motorcycles compete with the best in class and it is an ideal opportunity for us to showcase our strengths in the domains of engineering and technology. MotoGP is the ultimate test for the finest talents in motorcycle racing and an immensely popular championship with a cult following. Our participation will help to enhance the power of global branding for the Mahindra Group," commented Mr Anand Mahindra.