Impressive finish for Team Mahindra

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Miguel Oliveira

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Mahindra rider Miguel Oliveira claimed the only Indian motorcycle grand prix team’s best-ever finish — a hard-fought fourth place — in Mugello recently.

In doing so, Oliveira also added a new lap record to the books.
However, the Portuguese rider was a bit disappointed as after leading at the mid-point of the race, he missed a top-three finish by less than half a second.
The podium is the next target, but the team had more than enough to celebrate in Italy.
The all-new Mahindra MGP3O is only in its fifth race after being designed and built in just six months and the aim to join the front runners has already been achieved. The race was a thriller from the start, with the Moto3 pack jostling for position on the fast 5.245-km Mugello circuit. Oliveira started from the second row and was ninth into the first corner, but seventh and climbing by the end of the lap.
He set a new lap record on the fourth, and next time round was third. From then on, he played a major role in a six-strong group that broke away for an enthralling battle to the end. They swapped positions constantly, with Miguel taking his turn up front on lap 15.
The final shoot-out had the crowd holding their breath.
Luis Salom (KTM) emerged winner by just 0.099 of a second, with Alex Rins and Maverick Vinales in his wheeltracks, and Miguel inches behind. Alex Marquez and pole starter Jonas Folger (both KTM) were still close.