Date:06/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/06/stories/2008090654692000.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

An Indian rider in the MotoGP

Chennai: The 2007 National Champion of Champions Preetham Dev Moses is all set to become the first Indian bike racer to participate in the MotoGP, when he races in Malaysia next month. He became the first Indian to test for the MotoGP when he tested at the Zuhai International Circuit in China on September 1 and 2.

The testing was done on a GP 125cc Aprilia instead of the GP 250cc bike, due to a delay in arranging funds.

The rider from Chennai had earlier received a wild card from the FIM for five races in the MotoGP this year, but insufficient funds have restricted his participation to two races.

Preetham will be ride a 250cc Aprilia in the races to be held in Malaysia on October 19, and in Valencia, Spain, on October 26. Chuck Akslind, who was the manager for former MotoGP world champion Kenny Roberts’s team, will be Preetham’s manager.

An opportunity to race at this level has come after a series of impressive results. Late last year, Preetham became the first Indian to finish second in the Malaysian Super Series 600cc open category, missing the title by a whisker.