Sarath is back on track

Publication: Deccan Chronicle
Date: August 8, 2011

Abstract: India's first MotoGP (125cc) rider Sarath Kumar of Ten10 Racing made an impressive return to the race track.

Article:

India's first MotoGP (125cc) rider Sarath Kumar of Ten10 Racing made an impressive return to the race track after a knee surgery that had forced him out of action for almost six months. The Chennai youngster, whose stint at the pinnacle of bike racing was cut short because of the knee injury, came home second in the highly competitive Group B 165cc class despite suffering traction issues. He also clocked a fastest lap of 1:56.609 at the Irungattukottai track. Apart from Group B, Sarath also made his debut in the 600cc Super Bike Category where he finished a creditable fifth.

"I was, however, disappointed with the second race in the 600cc as I had to retire on fourth lap due to the pain in my recovering right knee," said Sarath.

"I am really happy to make a strong comeback at my home track after a long break. The experience that I gained during my MotoGP stint really gave me a lot of confidence to faster. I applied a few techniques which I learnt in MotoGP to get to pace even after a long hiatus at the national championship," Sarath added.

Sarath said he was still recovering from his surgery. "I am not 100 percent fit and rode all my races with great discomfort. I would like to thank my team Ten10 Racing for permitting me to ride in Group B class with Moto-Rev India as it is my favorite class. My first ever 600cc race was a great experience and I am still in the process of understanding the bike and its setup. Hopefully by the next round I would recover fully and solve all the traction issues. I want to win the race," he said.