Danny Webb - Photo Credit: Mahindra
Mahindra Racing will be one of the busier teams at this weekend's Valencia Grand Prix with the team set to unveil their 2012 Moto3 challenger during the event. This race will be the last for the current 125cc two-stroke machines before they are replaced by 250cc four-strokes and the Indian squad will launch their new bike shortly before Saturday's qualifying session.
Team Principal Mufaddal Choonia hopes that the progress made throughout Mahindra's debut season continues into 2012 but is also looking to give the GP125 a good send-off with a strong team performance.
“We always want more, but our first year has been exciting and encouraging. The results show that our unique machine has improved a lot in speed and reliability. We will be putting everything into making out two-stroke racer's last appearance one to remember.”
“We will also race at our best to pay our respects to Marco Simoncelli. The team was hit hard by his tragic accident in Malaysia. He was not only a future star, but also a well-loved member of our racing community. All our condolences went out to his family and friends.”
After a tough season with injuries and misfortune, Danny Webb will be looking to end on a high. The Briton will be starting his 80th and final 125cc race and admits it will be the end of an era this weekend
“Last chance to do something on a 125, and I'll give it my best shot. The bike's been getting better all year, so there's no excuses. It's a difficult track, really technical, but I'm looking forward to my last 125 grand prix. My whole GP career has been on 125 two-strokes.”
Teammate Marcel Schrotter has plenty to race for with 15th in the championship up for grabs. Rival Simone Grotzkyj misses this race through injury and the German knows he has a golden opportunity.
“My best GP result came at Valencia – fifth in 2009, and last year also in the points. So I am hopeful. I need at least one point to be sure of 15th overall – that is 15th in the race. The way things have been going the last races, I'll be aiming for much more than just one point.”
