New Delhi, Feb 6 (IANS): New recruit Australian rider Arthur Sissis is geared up to ride alongside Portuguese Miguel Oliveira at the Mahindra Racing Moto3 team for the 2014 season beginning March 23. The 250 cc four-stroke class series supports the MotoGP World Championship.

Sissis, who is on his maiden visit to India, replaces Spain's Efren Vazquez in the sole Indian outfit on the grid.

The 18-year-old Australian was announced as Oliveira's teammate in November. Sissis finished 15th in the Moto3 standings in 2013 for the Red Bull KTM squad.

He is aiming for a top five finish with Mahindra, who came third in the constructors' standings last year behind the two KTM powered teams.

"A lot of guys are impressed with what Mahindra have done in such a short time. They are stepping up their game constantly and that is what attracted me towards them. They are a factory team, which is a big advantage. You get to know your bike better with bigger teams," Sissis, a big Valentino Rossi fan, told IANS here Thursday.

How are the Mahindra bikes compared to the KTMs?

"The KTMs have a better pick-up but Mahindra's handling through the corners is smoother. Looking forward to understand it more at the Valencia test next week," said Sissis.

Mahindra, who made their Moto3 debut in 2011, recorded their first podium finish in 2013 when Oliveira rode to third place at Sepang, Malaysia. Oliveira eventually finished sixth in the drivers' standings.