India enters MotoGP with 125 team

THE ADDITION of Mahindra Racing to the 125GP paddock marks the first Indian manufacturer to compete in the championship.

In a presentation at Mahindra HQ in Mumbai, the Indian team is an international affair featuring British rider Danny Webb teaming up alongside Marcel Schrötter, with the team born out of Mahindra's acquisition of the Engines Engineering of Italy.

The new season is Webb's fifth year in the 125, giving the 19-year-old the veteran title that does not befit his age: "I hope that all the experience I have racing in the 125cc class can help this new but ambitious team and I can take a step up this year. It is a privilege to ride for the first Indian team to enter the World Championship." said Danny, "There seems to be a real buzz about India in international sport at the moment and it would be great if we get a good Indian following."

German racer, Schrötter, added to Webb's sentiments: "It is exciting to be part of an international collaboration, especially with a company like Mahindra whose ethos is to support upcoming talent. With a year’s experience in the World Championship under my belt, I am now looking forward to making a mark with Mahindra Racing at the MotoGP World Championships."

The manufacturer is new to the two wheel world and the 125GP provides the ideal platform for brand promotion, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, said: "It is a matter of great pride for us to represent India in the world’s most prestigious two-wheeled race series. Mahindra Motorcycles will compete with the best in class, and it will be an ideal opportunity for us to showcase our strengths in the engineering and IT domains. MotoGP is the ultimate test for the finest talents in motorcycle racing and an immensely popular championship with a cult following."

The inclusion of the Mahindra group in the MotoGP circus will add weight to the Indian country's ambition to host a round in the future.