INDIA in F1

Category: Non-F1

  • Toppo, Prabhu to take part in Asia Dream Cup

    Chennai, 5 July 2013: India’s Sumit Lucas Toppo and Arunagiri Prahbu could not feel more excited about racing at their home turf, Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) in Chennai, India for the first time in the Asia Dream Cup that runs concurrently with the PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship next weekend.

    It’s second season running, this new class famous for its incredibly close racing and unpredictable results is conducted with the full support of Honda Motor Co Ltd Japan is a ‘scholarship programme aimed at producing world-class levels from within the Asian ranks.

    Riders will be racing astride the Honda CBR 250R, a production model that mirrors the Moto3 class in the world championship and in doing so, the Asia Dream Cup becomes the platform for hopeful riders to bridge the gap between Underbone racing to full-frame bikes either in the 600cc class, Moto3 or Moto2.

    Sumit and Arunagiri are the second batch of Indian riders to participate in the one-make series after Gautam Mayilvaganan and Deepak Papineni made their debut last year. Sumit was runner-up in the Group C category in the Indian National Motorcycle Championship last year.

    “Taking part in the Asia Dream Cup has been a an eye-opening experience. Not only do I get to compete along some of the most talented young riders in Asia and improve my riding skills but we are also constantly exposed to the technical side of racing from people who have deep knowledge of the sport,” said Sumit.

    He went on to talk about his expectations for the upcoming race and commented, “We feel highly motivated for our home-race because if there is any chance we can stamp our mark, the Madras Motor Race Track would be it. None of the other riders have been there before so our experience racing there will certainly be an advantage.”

    For more info please log on to the PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship official website, www.asiaroadracing.com

     

    ends

    Arunagiri Prahbu in action at Indonesia
    Arunagiri Prahbu in action at Indonesia

  • Motoring on common ground

    FIA Secretary General for Mobility Susan Pikrallidas highlights close ties between race and road

    London, 26 June 2013,

    FIA General Secretary for Automobile, Mobility and Tourism Susan Pikrallidas urged ASNs around the world to take advantage of programmes put in place by the Federation’s Mobility department as she  stressed the links between the road and  racing arms  of the FIA. During an address to Sport Conference Week delegates Ms Pikrallidas explained that  mobility and  sporting clubs share common aims in servicing the needs of members and the public.

    “We have  a shared passion for safety and sustainability and  a shared commitment to members – to organise great races and  for us to ensure that road users are served well,” she  said.

    As such, she  explained that  the FIA’s Mobility department has established a number of programmes aimed at helping member clubs to develop and prosper, including the FIA University project and  a club relationship management programme, both of which she  said were  available to all member clubs,  be they sporting or mobility focused.

    “We have  developed these programmes with the idea that  they should benefit the whole  FIA family and  I hope that ASNs will take advantage of them,” she  said. “When we offer courses [at the FIA University] they are not just with sport or mobility clubs in mind but offer business strategies for all.”

    In outlining how similar external forces influence the worlds  of mobility and  sport, Ms Pikrallidas presented research outlining possible societal models for the year 2025. Stressing the value of such research in shaping how both mobility clubs and ASNs react to change, she asked delegates to imagine how their businesses would operate in four differing scenarios, varying from a world defined by environmental concerns to a society centred around unchecked development.

    Finally, asked by to draw upon her experiences at past Mobility Conferences and  offer advice to conference organisers, she said the key is to listen to their members.

    “The lesson is simply to listen to your attendees,” she  said. “Pay attention to their needs and concerns. It is their conference.”

    ends

  • New items in Sahara Force India online shop

    SFI merchandise photo by Sahara Force India team
    SFI merchandise photo by Sahara Force India team
    A new online E-shop, allowing Sahara Force India fans to purchase the team’s official merchandise, is now live on the Sahara Force India website.
    The launch of the online shop coincides with the unveiling of a new range of official replica teamwear and accessories, allowing fans to own similar items of clothing as those worn by Paul Di Resta, Adrian Sutil and the team during race weekends.
    The new online shop brings together for the first time the entire range of officially licensed Sahara Force India products, including Chatham Marine shoes, TW Steel Watches and Memento Memorabilia.
    The latest release of official teamwear, in particular, will allow fans to purchase perfect replica items such as the official team polo shirt, lightweight jacket and raincoat.
    Sahara Force India Formula One Team Principal, Dr Vijay Mallya, welcomed the launch of the new online shop: “The team’s increasing success on the track is helping bring more and more fans to our ranks so it’s great to be able to offer them the opportunity to purchase a full range of items in the colours of Sahara Force India and incorporating the team’s logo. Whether it is showing their passion with a t-shirt, making a fashion statement with a watch, or owning some race-used memorabilia, there is something for every fan in our new online shop.”
    The new Sahara Force India online shop can be reached via the official team website, or by clicking on this link: http://www.forceindiaf1.com/shop

    ends

  • Arjun Balu, Leela win ITC races

    Chennai, 23 June 2013: Japanese driver Yudai Jinkawa won Race 2 of the MRF 1600 race in Round 2 of the MMSC-FMSCI National Racing Championship ahead of Sudarshan Rao and championship leader Ashwin Sundar. The Indian Touring Car races were closely contested with championship contenders N. Leelakrishnan and Arjun Balu winning races 1 & 2 respectively. In other action S. Narendran capped off a strong weekend by winning both races of the Formula LGB4 & Swift. Earlier in the day Gokul Krishna won his first race in the India Junior Touring Car championship ahead of Charen Chandran and race 1 winner Mihir Dharkar, a press release said.

    Race 1 of the day saw the Indian Touring Cars in action with Arjun Narendran on pole ahead of local favourite Arjun Balu. Both got off the line really well and had a great battle in the first half of the race with Leelakrishnan right behind them. The leaders then collided sending both drivers backwards and Leelakrishnan getting past both of them. Leelakrishnan went on to win the race with Ramnarayan in second and Arjun Balu fighting back to finish in third place.

    Race 2 of the day was the Formula LGB4 & Swift with S. Narendran on pole. Narendran won from start to finish with Jigar Muni in second place and Sudanand D in third place. There was no difference in the second race of the Formula LGB4 & Swift with the drivers finishing in the same order and making it two out of two for Narendran.

    The Indian Junior Touring Cars were next up with Gokul Krishna and Charen Chandran starting on the front row. The main battle was behind them with wheel banging between Mihir Dharkar and Feroze Khan. Feroze got past Mihir to finish in 3rd place but was given a 20 second penalty for an incident and finally ended up in 11th place. Gokul withstood pressure from both Charen and Feroze to win his first race in the IJTC.

    In race 2 of the ITC championship, Arjun Narendran started on pole ahead of Arjun Balu. Arjun Balu had a great start and went into the lead with Arjun Narendran passing Ramnarayan on lap 3. From there on it was a close battle between the two Arjun’s. It was as close as it could get on the last lap with Arjun Balu just winning by 0.048secs ahead of Arjun Narendran to record one of the closest ever finishes in the ITC history.

    The main attraction of the day were the MRF 1600 and it was another exciting race. Ashwin Sundar, starting last fought his way up to 3rd place after a last lap move on Goutam Parekh. In front Yudai Jinkawa had a brilliant start and cruised to victory with second place finisher Sudarshan Rao not getting close enough to challenge him. Vikash Anand drove well to finish in 4th place with 15yr old Tarun Reddy finishing in 5th place after damaging his front wing with a crash with Ashwin Sundar. Ashwin Sundar continues to lead the championship.

    The next round of the MMSC-FMSCI National Racing Championship will take place in Chennai on July 27-28.

    ends

  • RIP Allan Simonsen

    23 June 2013: Danish race driver Allan Simonsen died after crashing his Austin Martin in the opening stages of Le Mans 24 hrs classic race at La Sarthe circuit on Saturday. We at INDIA in F1 deeply mourn the death of a talented driver who began as a mechanic but became one of the best drivers being on the podium in many parts of the world.

    His death brings into focus once again the importance of safety in motorsports. At this time our prayers are with his one-year old son and his partner Corina.

    FIA condolence Statement: By Jean Todt, FIA President and Pierre Fillon, ACO President

    We wish to express our profound sadness regarding the death of Allan Simonsen at today’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. We would like to convey our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Allan`s family and friends. Our thoughts are also with his Aston Martin teammates at this difficult time.

    Allan was an extremely talented and experienced sportscar driver who had raced in every corner of the world and was highly respected by his peers and his team.  For many in endurance racing, Allan was above all a good friend who displayed his passion for racing on and off the track.
    His loss will be felt by the FIA, the ACO and the greater motorsport family.
    Jean Todt, FIA President and Pierre Fillon, ACO President

    Here are a few tributes by the racing fraternity.

    Narain Karthikeyan ‏@narainracing1h : We all think racing is too safe nowadays until something like this shakes us back to reality.. #RIP Allan Simonsen #LM24

    @KarunChandhok: Morning ! First of all, my sincere condolences to Allan Simonsen’s family and everyone at Aston Martin Racing… Terrible to see that happen

    Paul Di Resta: “Sad news at Le Mans, RIP Allan Simonsen. Thoughts are with his family and friends.”

    Force India: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and team of Allan Simonsen. Really sad news from Le Mans earlier today.

    Jenson Button tweeted: “Allan Simonsen R.I.P. such a tragic loss. A true fighter abd a true racer. Safety is something we need to improve on in motorsport.”

    Kimi Raikkonen: “R.I.P. Allan Simonsen. Sad news.”

    Sergio Perez: “Thoughts & prayers with Allan Simonsen’ family and @AMR_Official team.”Que lastima!! La dura vida de piloto , Murio haciendo lo que quería.”

    Felipe Massa: “Such a tragic news on the passing of @AllanSimonsen . Sad day in motorsport. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

    Jaime Alguersuari: “Rest in peace Allan Simonsen.”

     

    ends

  • GSK, McLaren announce winners of schools’ challenge

    GSK and McLaren announce winners of schools’ challenge to inspire next generation of scientists as survey shows only 8% of students planning a career in science

    WOKING, 20 June 2013: Teams of students from across the UK competed today to be crowned champions of a joint initiative between GSK and McLaren Group, designed to encourage the next generation of scientists. The initiative, named Scientists in Sport, is based on a survey that found that young people are not seeing the connection between school science lessons and future career opportunities. The survey of over 400 11-16 year olds showed that fewer than 1 in 20 young people pay full attention to their teachers in science lessons and that only 1 in 25 are definitely thinking about a career in science.

    Waldegrave School from Twickenham beat nearly 100 schools from across the country to win the national final of this year’s Fast Forward Challenge, an exciting competition which supports the Scientists in Sport initiative. In keeping with the aim of bringing science, technology, engineering and maths to life through sport, competition entrants were asked to design a test to help Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 drivers improve their performance.

    Students who took part in the Scientists in Sport online survey about young people’s perceptions of science said they would like the opportunity to interact with people who have a career in science as part of a classroom activity.  When presented with a list of science-based careers, over three quarters of students felt that developing a life-saving drug to help people live longer made science seem more interesting. Over half of students surveyed were interested in using cutting-edge technologies to develop equipment to help sports people. 

    At the final, held at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, students from six shortlisted schools presented the tests they had designed to help improve McLaren drivers’ reaction times and concentration, to a panel of judges including: Clayton Green, Human Performance Manager at McLaren; James Wilding, young engineer on GSK’s Future Leaders Programme, and Kerry O’Callaghan, Head of Global Brand Communications at GSK.

    Patrick Vallance, President of R&D at GSK, said: “As a science-led organisation our ongoing success relies on continuous innovation and that is led by the next generation of scientists and engineers. It’s important that young people can make the connection between the science they learn in school and  the job opportunities they may have in the future – that could be developing the next vaccine to help save children’s lives, or helping a Formula 1TM team like McLaren win races. Through the Scientists in Sport programme we hope to open young people’s eyes to the careers that science can offer.”

    Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of the McLaren Group said: “It’s a genuine concern that young people still do not view science as their career of choice. The young people of today are the innovators and creative thinkers of tomorrow and we will all rely on them to address major international challenges. As a technology company, we at McLaren feel a responsibility to help improve the perception of scientific careers and are proud to partner with GSK in the Fast Forward Challenge. All the finalists came up with highly innovative approaches and performed well under pressure. There is a wealth of talent in our schools; we now need to inspire bright young people to take up science and to excel.”   

    Kay Penly, teacher at Waldegrave School, said: “We’re delighted to have won the national final and the whole school is extremely proud of the team. The competition has been great for science at our school. It has inspired our students to think differently about science as they have been able to apply the things they learn in the classroom to something as big and exciting as Formula 1 racing.”

    Waldegrave School will receive £1000 worth of science equipment and the chance to have their test carried out by a member of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driving team. All finalists were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the McLaren Technology Centre, which is not usually open to the public, and the chance to quiz some of the scientists and engineers responsible for the innovation behind a Formula 1 TM racing team.

    Ends

  • Chandhok excited about return to iconic Le Mans

    Le Mans (France), 18 June 2013:, Indian racing driver Karun Chandhok will return to the historic Le Mans 24 hours race this weekend at the La Sarthe circuit in the North of France. Chandhok will drive the iconic Le Mans 24 hours race in the LMP2 Nissan V8-powered Oreca 03 with Murphy Prototypes. The Le Mans 24 hours race, part of the FIA World Endurance Championship, is widely regarded as part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, along with the F1, a press release from Adrenna Communications said.

    Chandhok is the only Indian on the grid amongst 166 drivers this year. Last year he created history by becoming the first and only Indian to compete in and finish the race, when he finished in 6th place overall for JRM Racing. There will be 56 cars on the grid and this year LMP2 is the strongest class with 22 cars on the grid.

    Chandhok could not hide his excitement about returning to what he considers one of the best races ever.  He commented, “I’m very excited to be back at Le Mans! Racing here last year, and being the first Indian to compete in and finish the historic 24 hours was one of the highlights of my career. This race is certainly right up there in terms of the Monaco F1 GP in terms of prestige but in terms of getting a result it’s much harder I think. It’s such a long race and certainly feels like a very long 24 hours hoping that the car runs reliably.“

    The Murphy Prototypes team will consist of young New Zealander, Brendon Hartley, and the greatly-experienced endurance sports car campaigner, Mark Patterson, who placed 2nd in LMP2 at the Petit Le Mans 2011 and is boosted at La Sarthe by Karun, a former Lotus and Hispania F1 driver.

    Team owner Greg Murphy said “We are thrilled to have Karun onboard for Le Mans this year. Our front-running performances at the two European Le Mand rounds this year at Silverstone and Imola has shown we have the pace, and a great driver combination in Brendon and Mark, which is boosted still further with the addition of Karun Chandhok to the squad for Le Mans. With these three, our line-up is good enough to win. Karun brings an awful lot to the table. He’s a very professional driver with Formula One experience and very quick. So we have a very good blend between the three of them.“

    The circuit is 13.6 kilometres long with cars touching top speeds of 315km/h. The three drivers will share driving duties over the 24 hours. Practice & Qualifying will take place on Thursday night with for the drivers to get accustomed to driving at night.

    After their Nissan-Oreca ran at the head of the LMP2 field for five hours at last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans and with Chandhok placed sixth overall last year, hopes are running high in the team camp.

    Chandhok is encouraged by the competitiveness of the LMP2 category and the effort the team is putting in. He added, “Last year I was here with JRM in the LMP1 class, but the problem in LMP1 is that only the two manufacturer teams Audi and Toyota have a chance of winning. A privateer has no chance under the current regulations. In LMP2, you have a real chance of fighting for a class victory as every team is a privateer outfit. Its been interesting for me to drive the LMP2 car this year – the speed in the corners is pretty much the same as the LMP1 car and some times even faster as they are lighter, but the straight line speeds are a bit less. We’re still doing 315 kmh down the straights though so it’s pretty damn quick in the middle of the night on a narrow forest road!”

    “The team at Murphy Prototypes have been working very hard to get the car sorted – they were leading the race until 6am last year but had a suspension failure. This is such a hard race to get right – the reliability of the car is probably more critical than outright speed although you do need both. I have two good team-mates in Brendon Hartley, who I know from both our time as Red Bull F1 test drivers, and Mark Patterson from America who is a Le Mans rookie but is learning fast.“ commented Chandhok.

    This year’s Le Mans 24 hours race will mark the 90th anniversary of the race. The race distance is more than 5000 km, which is equal to about 16 F1 races. The Le Mans 24 hours boasts the world’s largest live audience for a sporting event with over 280,000 people.

    Chandhok was also quick to thank his long time supporters JK Tyre and Tag Heuer who made this all possible. He said, “Being the only Indian on the grid amongst 166 drivers is once again an honour and I have to really thank my long time supporters JK Tyre and Tag Heuer for their backing once again this year.”

    The race can be seen live at  – www.fiawec.com

    Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500.

  • Gaurav Gill, Sanjay Takale set Indian record in APRC

    New Caledonia, 16 June 2013: Celebrated Indian speedmaster Gaurav Gill was totally dominating  at Rally New Caledonia delivering an impressive 19-minute win for his MRF Tyres Rally Team.  The victory in the second round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) helped Gill take the overall lead in the championship as he pushed his teammate to second place in the standings. Another Indian driver  Sanjay Takale from Pune, co-driven by Sean Gregory of Malaysia came second to make an Indian one-two for the first time in the history of APRC.

    With his MRF team mate Esapekki Lappi unable to start today, the rally was his to lose.  Gill and co-driver Glenn Macneall were masterful on Sunday on the very slippery roads soaked by overnight rain, an MRF press release said.

    Gill, who was also the winner on the South Pacific island last season, reached the finish in the capital Noumea on Sunday afternoon with a comfortable margin over countryman Sanjay Takale. Australia’s Simon Knowles finished third following a close battle between the pair.

    The rain forced the cancellation of 5 of Sunday’s high speed tests when the roads were deemed to be unsafe for driving.  This left just one road/stage to be used 3 times with just 51km to contest.  This presented a challenge for Gill not to take it too easy and lose concentration but for now the results speak for themselves.

    Meanwhile, Esapekka Lappi, who led the APRC standings on the back of his first place on the season-opening International Rally of Whangarei last month, crashed out on the fourth stage and loses the title initiative to Gill, his Team MRF ŠKODA team-mate, as a result.

    Lappi wasn’t the only APRC contender to suffer in the slippery conditions on day one: Matt van Tuinen retired after being injured in a heavy landing over a large jump on stage two. He will have surgery on his back this week and will be out of action for at least two months. Fellow Australian Bruce Fullerton also faltered over the jump with the damage to his Mitsubishi Lancer’s engine forcing him out close to the completion of the first leg.

    Co-driven by Glenn Macneall, Gill registered his intent with the fastest time through stage one. He repeated the feat on the following test only for an off-road moment on stage three to cost him vital time as he attempted to select reverse gear in his Fabia Super 2000. That turned an advantage of 14s into a deficit to Lappi of 15s starting stage four.

    But Lappi’s lead wasn’t too last. In a fifth-gear downhill section, the 22-year-old’s car pitched sideways into a large rock and the damage was too great for him to continue.

    However, there were no such problems for the impressive Gill, who started the final day with a comfortable margin, which he preserved until the finish as heavy rain forced organisers to axe five of the day’s planned eight stages.

    Behind Gill, APRC Production Cup winner Takale’s second place for India is understood to be the first time that two drivers from that country have climbed the podium on an FIA international event. For Knowles, an APRC Pacific Cup entrant, the result puts him second place in the category points, 27.5 adrift of Gill. Pacific Cup contender Claude Clavel’s challenge ended on stage two when he tore a wheel off his Lancer striking a tree stump.

    “It was a perfect weekend for me” said Gill “the technical problems we had with the car in New Zealand resurfaced on shakedown but fortunately Lane Heenan, (Race Torque Engineering), and his mechanic’s found the problem so I was able to drive with confidence.”

    Gill also commented “The Skoda and MRF rally tyres were spot on all weekend. The MRF Tyres Rally Team run a Factory backed Skoda Fabia S2000) and this makes a difference because you can concentrate on your driving.  Apart from my one small spin yesterday I can say again everything was perfect,” he added.

    Unfortunately for Team MRF the  young  Finnish driver, Esapekki Lappi, was unable to restart day 2 because of chassis damage sustained on day one.  An off road excursion ripped the right rear suspension from the car.  To be sure the very quick Finnish driver will be back full of determination at the next round.

    For the first time ever in APRC history drivers from India made up the first 2 places.  Sanjay Takale co-driven by Sean Gregory brought their Subaru Impreza WRX STI home in second place.  This is Sanjay’s second event in a four wheel drive rally car and the improvement in speed was evident as the weekend progressed “I cannot believe this result! I know I was getting better and the tight twisty roads suit my style of driving, amazing!” said a very smiley Sanjay.

    Once again the unforgiving roads of New Caledonia took their toll with 5 APRC championship drivers failing to finish.  Gaurav Gill said at the beginning of the rally that it was an event where you had to drive at your own pace and “not push”.  Certainly his experience and maturity as a driver delivered a good result for the MRF Tyres Rally Team.

    Gaurav Gill (India), first position: “The final day was obviously a short day but it was still good miles although the heavy overnight rain meant it was slippery in the morning. It was hard to underdrive, which is what I was doing to get to the finish but it’s been a good weekend for us. We were quick from the shakedown having come here with good confidence from New Zealand. Now we have some good points for the championship.”

    Sanjay Takale (India), second position: “I am very proud to stand next to Gaurav on the podium. I love these roads and I am well used to slippery conditions from rallying in Malaysia. I am very happy because it’s only my second event in four-wheel drive.”

    RESULTS (after 17 special stages, 236.59 kilometres):
    1 Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL) ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000 1h57m12.3s
    2 Sanjay Takale (IND)/Sean Gregory (MYS) Subaru Impreza WRX STI +19m36.0s
    3 Simon Knowles (AUS)/Margot Knowles (AUS) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +22m10.7s

    FIA APRC Production Cup: Sanjay Takale (IND)/Sean Gregory (MYS) Subaru Impreza WRX STI
    FIA APRC Team Trophy: Team MRF ŠKODA
    FIA Pacific Cup winner: Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    FIA APRC Junior Cup: This event not part of the FIA APRC Junior Cup

    CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS (full standings at www.fiaaprc.com):
    Overall drivers: 1 Gill 65.5pts; 2 Takale 46; 3 Esapekka Lappi 39; 4 Michael Young 24; 5 Hiroshi Asakura 5; Overall co-drivers: 1 Macneall 65.5; 2 Gregory 46; 3 Janne Ferm 39; 5 Daniel Wilson 24; 5 Takumi Takahashi 5. Manufacturers: 1 ŠKODA 74.5; 2 Subaru 52; 3 Mitsubishi 42.5; 4 Toyota 11. Subject to results being confirmed by the event stewards

    EVENT DATA:
    Stage winners:
    Leg one, Saturday June 15, 123.42 kilometres:
    SS1: Gadji-Almameto 1 (16.78kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    SS2: Magnin-Karenga 1 (13.51kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    SS3: Max Foucher 1 (10.85kms): Esapekka Lappi (FIN)/Janne Ferm (FIN)
    SS4: Gadji-Almameto 2 (16.78kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    SS5: Magnin-Karenga 2 (13.51kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    SS6: Max Foucher 2 (10.85kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    SS7: Gadji-Almameto 3 (16.78kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    SS8: Magnin-Karenga 3 (13.51kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    SS9: Max Foucher 3 (10.85kms): Cancelled for safety reasons

    Leg two, Sunday June 16, 113.17 kilometres:
    SS10: ESQ/Tontouta 1 (13.37kms): Cancelled for safety reasons
    SS11: Tomo-Vallee 1 (10.88kms): Cancelled for safety reasons
    SS12: Shell-Païta 1 (17.10kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    SS13: ESQ/Tontouta 2 (13.37kms): Cancelled for safety reasons
    SS14: Tomo-Vallee 2 (10.88kms): Cancelled for safety reasons
    SS15: Shell-Païta 2 (17.10kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)
    SS16: ESQ/Tontouta 3 (13.37kms): Cancelled for safety reasons
    SS17: Shell-Païta 3 (17.10kms): Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL)

    Rally leaders:
    SS1-2: Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL) ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000
    SS3: Esapekka Lappi (FIN)/Janne Ferm (FIN) ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000
    SS4-17: Gaurav Gill (IND)/Glenn Macneall (NZL) ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000

    NEXT ROUND: International Rally of Queensland, July 12-14

    MORE INFORMATION: Visit the official FIA APRC website at www.fiaaprc.com or www.aprc.tv

    For Video: http://live.ralliheart.com/2013/06/rally-new-caledonia-leg-1-aprc-2013.html?

    ends

    Gaurav Gill and co driver MacNeall of MRF (centre) came first followed by another Indian driver Sanjay Takale (in blue) to create a record of Indian 1-2 in APRC. MRF Tyres Rally team photo
    Gaurav Gill and co driver MacNeall of MRF (centre) came first followed by another Indian driver Sanjay Takale (in blue) to create a record of Indian 1-2 in APRC. MRF Tyres Rally team photo

  • Mahindra riders finish 5th and 6th: MotoGP 3

    Circuit de Catalunya, 16 June 2013: The Mahindra pair Efrén Vázquez and Miguel Oliveira finished fifth and sixth in today’s Catalunyan Grand Prix. The double top six is the only Indian international motorcycle racing team’s best result so far, earning valuable points to improve the all-new MGP3O machine’s strong standing in the championships, a press release said.

    The race was a personal triumph for Vázquez. The 26-year-old racer from Bilbao in northern Spain missed the last two races after breaking his collarbone in practice in France. Still not fully healed, he gritted his teeth and even took the lead mid-race. Still close to the leaders after 22 gruelling laps, fifth was his best finish of the season.

    Oliveira (18, from Portugal) started from the front row for the second time this year, and played a strong part in the seven-strong breakaway. By the end he had lost a couple of seconds on his team-mate, but held his pace to win a strong fight for sixth.

    It was an important race for the team and the motorcycle. Designed and built in just six months the first Mahindra MGP3O prototype proved not only reliable from the start, but also impressively competitive. The bike for round six in Catalunya was a first development step. Upgraded internal parts and a new muffler have improved engine performance, while refined bodywork has smoothed the aerodynamics.

    Both riders felt the advantage, proving development is in the right direction; and the result moved Mahindra tantalisingly closer to second overall in the constructors’ table.

    The next round is in two weeks, where the Dutch TT is held on a Saturday at the historic Assen venue.

    EFRÉN VÁZQUEZ – Fifth Place

    I am very happy with this race even though I couldn’t fight for the podium right until the end. Fighting in the first group demonstrates the level of our performance with the new bike. The setting of the bike was perfect. My main issue was my shoulder. I need more time to let it completely recover because at the end of the race it was difficult to move. It was difficult to ride in such a big battle when I am not at 100 percent. After five or six laps my strength was dropping and the pain increasing. Finally I could be fifth: a very positive result because I am not so far from the first group.

    MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – Sixth Place

    It was an okay race – I got caught up battling with Jack Miller and we both lost touch with the front group. It was a bit difficult to fight today, but it was important to finish and I am happy we could still get sixth; and sixth in the championship is not bad. Maybe I could have done better if everything had gone 100%, but racing is like that and I am happy that we are in good shape for the next races.

    MUFADDAL CHOONIA – Mahindra Racing CEO

    It was a very good performance from the boys today. I wouldn’t say I am totally happy, in spite of a double top six. I think we could have finished a couple of places higher had it not been forEfrén’s shoulder, which really hindered him in the second half of the race. It was great to see him leading the race and taking the fight to the rest, but it was difficult to maintain his pace. He was in real pain when he came back into the box – I am very pleased with his effort and determination today. Miguel got caught up with another rider and at a circuit like Catalunya it is very difficult to catch up again once you lose the slipstream. The updates that we had on the bike following the test in Mugello worked very well. This is a good sign for the future and shows we are working in the right direction.

    Ends

    About Mahindra Racing

    1.2

    Mahindra Racing became the first Indian team to participate in the FIM MotoGP™ World Motorcycle Racing Championship in 2011 and the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (CIV) in 2012.

    Racing in the Moto3™ class in MotoGP, Mahindra Racing entered the 2013 season with its own new 4-stroke, single-cylinder, 250cc motorcycle: the Mahindra MGP3O, developed with experienced Swiss firm Suter Racing Technology AG. Experienced Spanish rider Efrén Vázquez (26, from Bilbao) is teamed with exciting Portuguese teenager Miguel Oliveira (18, from Pragal near Lisbon). At the opening round in Qatar, the duo finished with a best-ever double Top 10 result for the only Indian team in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. In Round 2 in Austin, Oliveira finished a superlative fifth while Vázquez claimed 14th place. Celebrating a third successive top ten finish in Round 3 at Jerez, Vázquez claimed eighth place. At Round 4 in Le Mans, Oliveira secured a front row start by qualifying second.

    In the 2012 CIV season, Mahindra Racing competed in the 125 GP Class and became the first team from India to win an international motorsport event, eventually recording six victories from eight races and securing the Constructors’ Championship. In the 2013 CIV season, the team has entered the Moto3 (250cc – 4 stroke) class with talented riders Andrea Locatelli (16, from Alzano Lombardo) and Michael Rinaldi (17, Rimini, Emilia-Romagna). Locatelli ended Rounds 1 and 2 with a fantastic twin podium finish. While winning the first, he finished the second in third position. Rinaldi finished eighth in the first encounter and a respectable sixth in the second.

    Mahindra’s bold decision to take on the world’s best at the highest level of motorcycle racing won the team prestigious awards such as the ‘ZigWheels Motorsport Award of the Year, 2012’, and the NDTV Car and Bike Awards ‘Mobil 1 Motorsport Award of the Year, 2012’.

    For further information please visit: www.mahindraracing.com.

    About Mahindra

     

    The Mahindra Group focuses on enabling people to rise through solutions that power mobility, drive rural prosperity, enhance urban lifestyles and increase business efficiency.

    A USD 16.2 billion multinational group based in Mumbai, India, Mahindra employs more than 155,000 people in over 100 countries. Mahindra operates in the key industries that drive economic growth, enjoying a leadership position in tractors, utility vehicles, after-market,information technology and vacation ownership. In addition, Mahindra enjoys a strong presence in the agribusiness, aerospace, components, consulting services, defence, energy, financial services, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, retail, steel, commercial vehicles and two wheeler industries.

    In 2012, Mahindra featured on the Forbes Global 2000 list, a listing of the biggest and most powerful listed companies in the world. In 2013, the Mahindra Group received the Financial Times ‘Boldness in Business’ Award in the ‘Emerging Markets’ category.

    Visit us at www.mahindra.com.

    ends

    Efren Vazquez-of Mahindra Racing who finished 5th in Catalunya GP ahead of his teammate. A Mahindra Racing photo.
    Efren Vazquez-of Mahindra Racing who finished 5th in Catalunya GP ahead of his teammate. A Mahindra Racing photo.

  • Mahindras’ Oliveira claims front row: Moto GP

    Circuit de Catalunya, 15 June 2013: Mahindra rider Miguel Oliveira claimed his second front-row start of the year for Sunday’s Catalunyan GP. Team-mate Efren Vazquez will start directly behind him, qualifying a best-yet sixth to put international motorcycle racing’s only Indian team in a strong position for tomorrow’s race.

    Rising teenage Portuguese star Oliveira is fresh from fourth place in Italy after challenging throughout. The more experienced Spaniard Vazquez is back after pulling out of that race, recovering from collar-bone surgery.

    Both are riding the first development version of the Mahindra MGP3O Moto3™ machine. Engine performance and aerodynamics have both been enhanced as development of the brand-new bike continues apace. The white-and-red streamliner is in only its sixth race.

    Today’s qualifying continues a positive trend for the Mahindra squad. Six months after the bike first hit the drawing board, shake-down tests proved speed and reliability; results have improved race by race. At the same time the first developments were undergoing thorough tests, before finding their way to the race-track at Catalunya.

    The result underlines Mahindra’s growing credibility and status in the paddock, and has further quickened interest in the machine from other teams, interested in the prospect of running the MGP3O in next year’s series.

    “We have the infrastructure for supplying the MGP3O to other Moto3 teams next year as per the Moto3 regulations for 2014,” explains Mahindra Racing CEO Mufaddal Choonia. “It’s quite an exciting time in the paddock because we are getting approaches from a number of teams interested in Mahindra and the possibility of using the MGP3O as their official bike next season. And it would be extremely satisfying to see more Mahindra MGP3Os on the grid. It would certainly make us proud.”

    Tomorrow’s race is the sixth of 17 rounds in the Moto3 championship.

    MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – Third place, 1’51.540

    After free practice we made some changes to the bike, and I was in a good group so I could get a good lap.Tomorrow will be difficult for sure – another big group fight, and tough over 23 laps. I have to be smart and conserve my strength. While the team has been doing a good job developing the bike, I am also developing myself. The first job tomorrow is to finish the race, we’ll have to wait and see what position it is.

    EFREN VAZQUEZ – Sixth place, 151.952

    I’m very happy and a little bit surprised: my collar-bone is still in eight parts. I have a little pain … but I am from Bilbao! I’ve been training at home, and I feel good that I can fight tomorrow. The team is improving all the time. At each race the bike and the performance get better. Having both on the front two rows is important to the team, and for our race results.

    Ends