MAHINDRA TAKE POSITIVES FROM CATALUNYA

Montmelo, Barcelona - Sunday, 3 June, 2012: Two non-finishes may not seem like a good result, but the Indian Mahindra team had many positives to take from the Catalan GP. Although both the all-independent white-and-red machines were robbed of good finishes by small mishaps, progress with the developing machine left riders and team confident that the fifth race of the year marked a clear step forward.

Danny Webb (21, from England) was running strongly in a group including full factory machines when he was pushed off the track on the 17th of 22 laps of the 4.727-km Montmelo circuit, and was unable to restart.

German team-mate Marcel Schrotter (19) was close behind and catching the group when clutch trouble forced him to pull off on the same lap

The Mahindra MGP-30 is one of a small handful of independent bikes in a Moto3™ field of over-the-counter production machines from established racing factories. Still in the early stages of its development, the Mahindra has shown it is already able to make its mark in the new class for 250cc single-cylinder four-strokes.

Mahindra Racing's CEO Mufaddal Choonia explained how the disappointment at not adding to the points gained at the last round was tempered by encouraging aspects. "All the hard work and effort from the factory in the last two weeks to improve reliability seems to have paid off. We had no engine issues all weekend. Danny rode a very good race fighting with other factory bikes ... but as happens sometimes in racing a small mishap stopped him. But we definitely have some positives to take to the next race at Silverstone," he said.

DANNY WEBB - Did Not Finish
For me it was a positive race, fighting with three factory KTMs. Our engine performance still needs some improvement, but when the tyres start to wear our chassis is fantastic and I could put the bike exactly where I wanted. I could stay with the group and I was sure I could overtake them as the race went on. Unfortunately another rider came across me under braking and we touched. I ran over the kerb and slipped off and the engine stalled. Because of the high compression and slipper clutch it’s not possible to push-start these bikes. But I feel like we have taken one step forward.

MARCEL SCHROTTER - Did Not Finish
I lost some places off the start, and it was hard to make them up. I was faster in the corners but it was difficult to get close enough to attack under brakes. I got through and I was closing on Danny's group, though it is more difficult when you are alone and have no slipstream. In the last laps I felt comfortable and I could push, but the clutch started to slip and I had to stop.