Italian triumph for Mahindra

Mahindra Racing created history of sorts by becoming the first Indian outfit to win an international motorsport event and that too on foreign soil! The team did the Indian flag proud by winning the lung-opener of the Italian Championship,at the Mugello Circuit,in style.

The talented Riccardo Moretti,meanwhile,had the competition gasping with disbelief as he pulled away effortlessly after a brilliant start.For the next 30 minutes,he never had to check his mirrors as he clocked over a second-and-a-half per lap from the second-placed Mantovani,who faced the music when he was overhauled by his Aprilia teammate Dalla Porta in the eighth lap while Moretti waltzed to his first win of the 2012 season.

The win was rather facile and after two laps it was clear that unless the Mahindra rider did something really silly,the trophy was in the bag.Moretti was nervous before the start of the race as he was returning to racing after a three-year break.In the interim,he raced only for three events in the World Moto 3 Championship until his money dried up.

Whether its Formula One or a 125cc bike championship,the problem of sponsors remains.Mahindra Racing did well in identifying the 2009 champion as their premier rider and now itsup tothem to puttheir collective heads down to work towards the title.

Team Mahindra,however,has its task cut out if they want to bring their Indian rider,Sarath Kumar,up to speed.Sarathsimply cant afford to allow his teammate to clock over six seconds.He admits that his braking and slow speed cornering technique need improvement.His confidence was dented slightly when his bike suffered a mechanicalfailuretowards the end of the race.

Mahindra now look forwardtothe nexteventin Imola after leaving the tough 5.2-mile Mugello circuit with a satisfying and historic win.