The MotoGP Bharat GP has finally started, and many people may be surprised to learn that the top four riders in the current standings have a history with India's Mahindra Group. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Jorge Martin (Prima Primac Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) all won their first podium finishes in Moto3 World Championships while competing for Mahindra Racing in the junior category. These four marvels are now competing in the top division and want to make MotoGP history by winning the first race in India. Friday, September 22 marks the start of practice; qualifying and the sprint will follow on Saturday, with the main event taking place on Sunday. Let's take a closer look at this past yet strong connection.
“I'm very proud to have been part of the Mahindra family” ????️ - @PeccoBagnaia
The top four in the #MotoGP World Championship all rode for Indian manufacturer Mahindra in #Moto3 at some point early in their careers! ????#IndianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/GDzDVJPNUH
— MotoGP™???? (@MotoGP) September 21, 2023
Also Read: Bharat GP: Buddh International Circuit Gets Thumbs Up from MotoGP Riders
MotoGP Riders and Mahindra Connection: Main Highlights
Mahindra, an Indian manufacturer, participated in the Moto3 class from 2011 to 2017, at first as a factory team up until 2014. After that, it shifted to acting as an independent constructor and providing motorcycles to a few teams. The dominating world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, was a member of the team in 2015–16. In 2016, he won the first podium for Mahindra and remained consistent that season. When he was just 19 years old, the Italian also took first place in the team's first race at the Dutch TT in Assen. After putting up a valiant battle for the Moto3 championship, he went on to win again at Sepang and took fourth place in the overall standings that year. However, the rider advanced to Moto2 the next year.
Jorge Martin, Brad Binder, and Marco Bezzecchi also had an incredible time working with Mahindra, just like their rival Bagnaia. Between 2011 and 2016, these riders achieved their first podium with Mahindra. Even though the vehicle from the Indian company may not have been the fastest on the grid when compared to the likes of the competitors, it did perform well, and that ended up being great training for the riders.
MotoGP Bharat GP: Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney VR46 Racing Team Leads FP1
As mentioned, the practice session for the Indian MotoGP has started at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. In the opening practice, Marco Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez finished first and second, respectively. Franco Morbidelli was brought into the team as a precaution after Yamaha experienced two mechanical problems with Fabio Quartararo. Francesco Bagnaia who is leading the championship with maximum points, came in 15th. While Takaaki Nakagami fell into the gravel trap and lost control of his LCR Honda.
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