Shahril finishes top twenty in the inaugural Indian Moto3 race with PETRONAS and MIE Racing
With the support of sponsor PETRONAS and the Vision Track team, MIE Racing has competed in the very first Moto3 race to ever run in India, at the Buddh International Circuit, with wildcard rider Danial Shahril.
The inaugural Grand Prix of India concluded today with the three races across the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 categories. 20-year old Malaysian rider Shahril was out in PETRONAS MIE Racing colours as he took to the grid for the Moto3 race at 12.30pm local time (IST).
Having qualified in twenty-sixth position, Danial lined up on the ninth row of the starting grid. The young rider was in twenty-sixth at the end of lap one and was able to make up two positions by lap five. The Malaysian worked hard over the course of the 16-lap race, doing his best to contain the gap to the riders immediately ahead and gaining another three positions through the central stages. Competing in only his second Moto3 race, #57 focused on trying to keep a consistent pace and avoid any mistakes, a strategy that paid off and allowed him to reach the finish line in twentieth position.
A very encouraging performance, considering the size and depth of the Moto3 field, and the fact that this was only the Malaysian’s second appearance on the world stage. It is hoped that, in competing this weekend, Shahril can serve as an inspiration to other young Asian riders who have similar dreams. Shahril is grateful for having had another opportunity to perform at world level and thanks PETRONAS and MIE Racing for making the weekend possible.
Danial Shahril P20
“I’m very happy I finished the race safely. I made a good start but then made a mistake into turn one, which caused me to lose ground. From there, I pushed hard to catch the group, giving it all I had to get into a good rhythm. It wasn’t easy because we made some changes throughout the sessions, and again for the race, and maybe we still had some margin there. But we finished P20 and I think we can be pleased with that. I have really enjoyed competing here this weekend and have learned a lot, knowledge that I will take with me to my next races. I want to say a big thank-you to PETRONAS, MIE Racing and the Vision Track team for this opportunity.”
