Date:16/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101660002400.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

So near, yet so far for Dev Moses

Special Correspondent

— File Photo

Preetham Dev Moses.

CHENNAI: Preetham Dev Moses was poised this season to become the first Indian to race in the prestigious MotoGP. But he has been forced to endure a disappointing wait after the finances required weren’t assembled in time.

Set to participate in the races in Malaysia on October 19 and Valencia, Spain, on October 26, Dev Moses’s plans were scuppered when a delay in transferring funds caused motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia to hand the bike to a Spanish rider who had also sought a wild-card.

“This entire year I’ve been working hard on getting into the MotoGP, training and testing and practising,” said Dev Moses. “So it’s very disappointing to get this close to fulfilling a dream. This weekend would have been the race in Malaysia, and knowing now that I won’t be there is difficult.”

Dev Moses, who in September had the honour of being the first Indian to test in the world’s premier motorcycling championship, has turned his attention to raising funds for the 2009 season. He will, however, require additional sponsors. “Team Kenny Roberts, who manage me, have been kind enough to tell me that I’ll have a spot next season if I can put the money on the table,” said Dev Moses. “For me right now, I have to work on getting the sponsorship, and stay in touch with competitive racing.”

The Chennai lad continues to work hard on and off the track. He splits his training between time on a dirt-bike in a circuit he has built inside the MMSC and work in the gym.