How Indian heritage props up MotoGP's leading championship contenders
For a country the size of India, home to the world’s biggest market for two-wheelers, it is quite surprising that no rider has managed to come up the ranks and gain a place in the premier class of motorcycle racing. Indeed, apart from a wildcard appearance in the Moto3 class for national champion KY Ahamed, there will be no representation from India in the country’s first-ever home event. However, turn the clock a few years back and Mahindra was an important part of the grand prix ladder, supplying bikes and honing up-and-coming riders in what was originally the 125cc class before it morphed into the present-day Moto3 series in 2012. Admittedly, the Mahindra MG030 package was the weakest on the grid and the bike was no match to its Honda, KTM or Kalex rivals, despite some significant upgrades over the years. However, many riders spent their formative years racing with Mahindra, and continue to credit the Indian manufacturer for the success they curren...