According to Pawan Munjal, managing director, Hero MotoCorp, the company is currently contemplating entering Moto 3. Moto 3, which is part of the FIM Road Racing Championship Grand Prix circus, is the entry-level class for MotoGP. Moto 3, which replaced the two-stroke 125cc class in 2012, runs single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke motorcycles.
Now, Hero’s entry into the world of motorcycle road racing is a strategic one. There’s no doubt that the Indian bike maker has made the commuter class its own with successes like the Splendor and the Glamour. But, moving up the capacity chain, Hero has had little success be it in the 150cc class with offerings like the Xtreme or the Hunk, or even the 223cc Karizmas.
But, with the company now focusing on developing a new generation of premium, higher capacity sporty motorcycles, and taking on the global stage, it will need to speak to this demanding and discerning customer with authority. An authority that will only come with the right technology and capability showcase. And what better platform to do so than MotoGP.
If Hero does finally enter Moto 3, it will do it through its motorsport arm, Hero MotorSports. Currently, Hero MotorSports has had a successful run in what is one of the world’s most grueling racing series, the Dakar with riders CS Santosh and Joaquim Rodrigues. And as is the case in Dakar, chances are Hero will tie up with an existing Moto 3 unit for the show, at least in the early years. It will also make Hero only the second Indian outfit to take on the world of MotoGP after Mahindra Racing.
