Mahindra ready to hit top gear

Get ready for some serious howling as reverberating engines are all set to roar across the Losail International Circuit in the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar this weekend. After much anticipation and excitement, the mother of all two- wheeler racings — the Motogp World Championship — gets ready for its first race of the season this Sunday.

The 2012 season- opener will also mark the debut of Moto3 class, which replaces the 125cc World Championship held until last year. In the all- new Moto3 class, Indian team Mahindra Racing will scorch the tracks under floodlights on the MGP3O — a 250cc 4- stroke bike. Mahindra riders Marcel Schrotter of Germany and Englishman Danny Webb will look to add to their success achieved in the 125cc last year. Mahindra became the first Indian two- wheeler manufacturer to enter the Moto GP in 2011.

Mufaddal Choonia, the chief operating officer of Mahindra Racing is confident of a good show in the Arab state. “A lot of hard work has gone into getting prepared for the Qatar GP,” said Choonia.

“We are confident of getting off the blocks with flying colours. A few niggles during pre- season testing notwithstanding, the feedback from our riders has been positive. We are gung- ho heading into the first round.”

Ahead of the Qatar showdown, the Italian 125cc championship held last week was a shot in the arm for Team Mahindra. Test rider Riccardo Moretti led Mahindra to the top of the podium with a scintillating ride.

Choonia, who is assured of continuing the good run, added: “The Italian triumph has given us a huge boost. Now we look to realise more success on the world’s best stage.”