The only Indian constructor in World Championship racing made more history at Automotodrom Brno today, when the Mahindra MGP3O Moto3 machine took first and second places in a rain-soaked Czech Republic Grand Prix.
Taking first, Scotsman John McPhee, splashed through the soaked track to take his own first GP victory and a first for the new-this-year Peugeot MGP3O, sister brand to Mahindra. He was over eight seconds clear at the flag. Spanish teenager Jorge Martin (Aspar Mahindra Team) took a career-best second place, giving the official Mahindra team its fifth podium of its best season so far. Fabio Di Giannantonio aboard his Honda took third to complete the podium.
The MGP3O’s double comes just three races after the marque’s historic first win in the Dutch TT at Assen. The tricky wet conditions played an important aspect in the outcome of the race. Long-time race leader and championship favourite Brad Binder (KTM), who succumbed to relentless pressure from McPhee. McPhee was then alone up front, but in a tricky situation in the third last lap when his bike slid sideways and threatened to throw him off. He kept the situation in control and took pole.
John McPhee, race winner said “I am still trying to let it sink in. Today was kind of hard. I had a good strategy for the dry and had won a good starting position, but in the rain it is so difficult to make a plan. I knew I had to be in the front group, and then wait and see. Brad [Binder} had a good rhythm, so I decided to follow him then attack in the last laps. Unfortunately for him he fell off. Then I had to keep calm and keep my own rhythm. I was trying to read my pit board but my visor was fogged. I couldn’t see if I was leading by 12 seconds or 1.2 seconds. After I had a big moment with three laps to go I looked over my shoulder, and I could see I had a clear lead.”
Jorge Martin, taking second, commented “Really happy with this position. In the Warm Up I really didn’t feel good but we used a similar setting to John who was strong and in the race I was really fast because of this. I was pushing so much and I knew that the front riders had a bit of a better pace, but I kept my rhythm and finally I finished in the podium.”
Mufaddal Choonia, CEO Mahindra Racing said “When we made history with our first win at Assen, our next aim was to have two MGP3O machines on the podium, preferably first and second. It is all the better to have achieved this so soon, and with our sister brand Peugeot Motocycles. Today we proved that the Mahindra package can win races in both wet and dry conditions. I really doff my hat to John and Jorge, who both rode brilliant races in very difficult conditions. Now we in Mahindra are getting ready for a champagne shower!”
The next race is the British GP at Silverstone in two weeks.
