Previews from the 125cc and Moto2 teams:
Mahindra sparks up to build on success
April 26, 2011, Mumbai: The new Mahindra Racing team scored its first points at the last GP at Jerez on April 3. Now the Italy-based Indian-owned squad goes to Portugal, confident of building on that success in the Portuguese Grand Prix on April 29 ? May 1.
Competing in the highly competitive 125 class, the Mahindra team were pleased when young German rider Marcel Schr?tter (18) picked his way through into the top 15, placing 13th to score points for the Mahindra in only its second race.
"We were pleased, but not satisfied. Our aim is much higher," said Team Principal Mufaddal Choonia. "We want to keep moving forward."
The target is being attacked on two sides, with technical improvements to the engine and the chassis now ready for testing at the Estoril circuit, venue for the Portuguese GP.
Riders Schr?tter and Englishman Danny Webb (20) will have a new electronic ignition and new rear suspension to try. The new spark system and shock absorber will be available for the race, and particularly also for thorough testing at the private test day after the GP.
Webb was a strong 11th in Spain and in a potential sixth or seventh when he fell victim to treacherous conditions and slid off. This makes him especially anxious to get his name also on the championship table, as he returns to the track where he previously scored his best finish.
The circuit, outside of Lisbon, is a technically difficult 4.182 km combining a long straight with some very tight corners. This is the third round of the season, after the Japanese GP scheduled for April 24 was postponed; and the first chance for the riders to race in four weeks.
DANNY WEBB
"I was on for a good result in Spain when I slipped off, but I know I can come back stronger at Estoril. I'm learning more about the bike all the time and we're all working together well. In 2008 I was fifth here, so I know the track suits my style. After this long break, I can't wait."
MARCEL SCHR?TTER
"I wish we could have had another race straight after Jerez. At the end, when I found my rhythm, my lap time was the same as the top five. I need to work on being faster earlier in the race, and that's what I'll be doing at Estoril."
The Portuguese Grand Prix opens with practice sessions on Friday 29 April, followed by qualifying on Saturday 30. The race takes place at 14:30 local time on Sunday May 1.
PIRRO LOOKS FOR MORE AT ESTORIL AS TAKAHASHI RACES IN MEMORY OF HIS BROTHER KOKI
When the Moto2 engines fire up at Estoril this weekend it will be almost a month since they were switched off at Jerez. The postponement of the Grand Prix of Japan due to the tragic earthquake and tsunami have meant a lengthy break from World Championship action, during which time Yuki Takahashi has suffered a personal tragedy with the loss of his brother Koki, who died in a road accident on the 23rd April. Yuki has decided to race this weekend because it is what is brother would have wanted and although it won't be easy for him he is determined to ride in his honour. Michele Pirro, meanwhile, remains determined to establish himself amongst the best riders in the class.
Yuki Takahashi "I am so sad at the moment it is hard for me to even think back to the last race at Jerez or wonder what I might be capable of at Estoril. No doubt I will take to the track with Koki in my mind. He was only 23 and I want to race in his honour. That is what he would have wanted so I will do everything in my power to cope with it."
Michele Pirro "I am really upset by the tragedy that has befallen my team-mate. It is a sad moment and I want to do anything I can to help Yuki get through this difficult time. I wasn't totally satisfied with the result at Jerez because I feel I could have done better but I tried my hardest in the conditions. We gathered a lot of data over the weekend that the engineers will be able to use to improve the bike for Estoril. I have been training really hard during the break and I feel in good shape for Estoril, a circuit where I went quite well during the winter tests. I am confident I can be amongst the front of the Moto2 field."
Fausto Gresini "There are no words to reflect the tragedy of such a young death. It is a very sad time and the whole team will be supporting Yuki. It is a great pleasure to have him with us at Estoril and we hope he can honour his brother Koki in the best possible way. Pirro has to continue with the positive progress he has already made and I am sure he will be amongst the frontrunners in Moto2. We have a great team with two fast riders and I am sure we will have plenty to celebrate over the course of the season. We have a great relationship with Moriwaki and together we will enjoy success in Moto2."
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