Danny Webb leading eventual winner Maverick Vinales - Photo Credit: Mahindra
Danny Webb was disappointed after failing to convert his maiden 125cc pole position into a points finish in Valencia. The Briton made a superb start and led at the end of lap one but soon slipped back as the regular front runners took charge of the race.
Webb was running in 13th when he eventually crashed out and explained that he was trying so hard to stay in the points that he lost control of the Mahindra.
“Disappointing after my first pole, but I tried my hardest to give Mahindra a good finish to the first year, and unfortunately I pushed too hard. Conditions were difficult and I was having problems with front grip. I lost a few positions, and I didn't want to lose any more. So I pushed, and it was a bit too much.”
The Indian team did achieve one objective in the race though with Marcel Schrotter securing 15th in the championship standings. The German finished 12th to overtake Simone Grotzkyj, who missed the race through injury, although it was far from a straightforward race for the teenager.
“It was a difficult race, because there was a little rain throughout and it was hard to find the limit. I had a good start and was in a good group, but all weekend we have had little problems with acceleration. I was good on the brakes so I could pass them into the corners, but they would pass me back on the next straight. In the last laps I knew I was in the points. It made no sense to risk that, so I brought it home and got 15th overall in the championship, which was my aim. It was a good ending to the year. I did a big burn-out to say goodbye to my 125.”
Mahindra Group managing director, Anand Mahindra, was philosophical after Webb's fall and was full of pride at the end of the team's debut year. With the team launching their Moto3 bike on Saturday, Mahindra is already looking forward to 2012.
“I know it is a cliché, but 'that's racing'. Yesterday we were celebrating Danny's pole position but today, sadly, he fell. However, Marcel summed up the strength of this team to come home with a strong points finish bringing to an end a very satisfying year for Mahindra Racing.”
“My experience this weekend, and the experience of the team throughout the whole season, has only renewed our commitment to the sport. I said it yesterday when we unveiled our wonderful new Moto3 bike – we are here to stay.”
