MAHINDRA ON THE FRONT ROW FOR GERMAN GP

Sachsenring, Germany, July 13, 2013: Miguel Oliveira will start tomorrow’s German Grand Prix from the front row of the grid – the fourth time in the Mahindra MGP3O’s debut season that he has claimed a top–three qualifying position.

The Portuguese teenager placed third, two short of his maiden pole position two weeks ago at Assen, but his third front–row start in succession.

Team–mate Efrén Vázquez qualified seventh, heading the third row, but frustrated that another rider had baulked his last–lap effort to claim his first front–row of the year. The Spaniard finished yesterday’s first day of free practice third overall, proving his potential as he regains strength after earlier injury.

Mahindra is the only Indian factory team in international motorcycle racing. The MGP3O was designed and built in only six months, and has proved not only reliable from the start, but as importantly highly competitive, even in first prototype form.

Tomorrow’s race is the eighth of 17 rounds in the Moto3™ World Championship. Oliveira currently lies a close sixth overall, with Vázquez 13th, after missing two rounds through injury.

MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – Third Place
“We changed some settings overnight, mainly at the rear, and the modifications are working well. I am not completely happy with my rhythm, but I could do a good lap. The race tomorrow will be difficult as always, especially the last laps. There are a lot of left–hand corners here and tyre life will be an issue. It’s also a very tiring track, so it is easy to make a mistake. The start here is not so important because it is not so far to the first corner, but it will be important not to let anybody get away up front, while also looking after the tyres.”

EFRÉN VÁZQUEZ – Seventh Place
“I’m not happy. I think I could have made the front row but on the last lap I was caught up with the mistake of another rider. On the fast corner he closed the door on me and I lost a little time. He did not ride in the correct way. But I think we can still do a good race. The bike is okay – with a used tyre I was only a tenth of a second slower, and I am feeling strong.”

MUFADDAL CHOONIA – CEO, Mahindra Racing
“Another good qualifying for Mahindra. It is always exciting, although perhaps by now we should be getting more used to it. Miguel is riding as well as ever, but I am sorry for Efrén, because he had been having his best weekend so far.Tomorrow we get another chance to add to the success of the MGP3O. Once again, we will have our fingers crossed and hope for a first podium finish.”