Indianapolis, Aug 11 (IANS): Mahindra rider Miguel Oliveira produced another fine performance to finish seventh after starting 18th in the Moto3 race of the Indianapolis Grand Prix at the iconic Indy 'Brickyard’ oval here Sunday.
It was a repeat of his earlier form when he rode from 19th to fourth in Italy, and from 13th to third at Assen. Once again, Oliveira picked off riders one or two at a time in the early laps to put himself in contention.
The Moto3 race, run over 23 laps of the 4.17km infield circuit, saw a pack of 10 riders disputing the lead, entering corners three or four abreast, scrapping to the finish line marked by the famous Yard of Bricks.
Portuguese teenager Oliveira, astride the Mahindra MGP3O, had steadily picked his way up from his midfield start to join the group, and gain places within it while finishing far more strongly than he had qualified.
Ambrogio Racing’s Brad Binder, also riding a Mahindra, finished ninth, putting two of the only Indian machines in the race in the top 10.
Second Mahindra rider Arthur Sissis from Australia, had a less satisfying weekend. He qualified 23rd and his own attempt to move forward was foiled by a collision with another rider, dropping him further and spoiling his pace. He finished 21st.
Oliveira said: "Qualifying was a bit hard. I was just a second off the fastest time, but it is so close in Moto3. The race was tough, but I was with another rider Alexis Masbou who had a very good pace, and I was able to go with him to catch the front group."
“The last laps were pretty hard, the tyres had gone and it was difficult to keep a fast pace. We made some setting changes in practice to improve the braking, and that helped me defend myself to the end.”