By costelloracing.com
September 5 2005

Maria Costello has made the history books once again at the Isle of Man, becoming the first woman solo racer to finish on the podium in the history of the TT and Manx Grand Prix. Maria took third place in the Ultra Lightweight category of the 2005 Manx GP. On board an RLR Motorsports Honda RVF400, provided by Tim Bradley, Maria became the first ever woman to take a podium finish in either a TT or Manx GP. Costello, who already holds the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman ever around the TT circuit, proved once again that she is a force to be reckoned with around the infamous course.

Lying in fifth position after lap one, Costello dug deep and, after a slick pit stop at the halfway point, was up to third place. Costello enjoyed the on road battle with Alan Oversby during the race but, as the race came to a close, the leader crashed out leaving Costello only twelve seconds behind Oversby, who was now lying in second place. Maria Costello crossed the line in third place and took the first ever podium finish for a woman solo racer at the Manx Grand Prix.

“It’s superb. I don’t think it has really sunk in yet,” explained Costello. “My feet came off the pegs during lap one, which is probably where I lost time. It hadn’t happened in practice, but the bike was gorgeous to ride - it never put a foot wrong,” added Maria. “Coming up the return road I was thinking, please usher me into the winner’s paddock, even though I was fairly sure I had got third. It was a cracking race - I learned a lot from it and, most importantly, I enjoyed it. I’ve made history today and I’m delighted. It’s been another successful time at the Manx GP and there’s plenty of celebrating to do now.”

Costello also took part in the delayed Junior Manx GP on Thursday, riding her Bering Honda CBR600RR. Following a last minute change to her suspension before the race, Costello found herself wrestling the bike around the demanding course. “It was a physical race because the bike wasn’t handling, but I continued and got a finish and a silver replica,” said Costello. Her final position was 16th out of a total 77 finishers.

“I’d really like to thank everyone who has helped me make another fantastic achievement here on the island. In particular, Tim Bradley for the loan of the RLR Motorsports Honda RVF, Ricky Leady who prepared both the 400 and the 600, WP Suspension, Tracy and Mick my number one fans, Andy and Tom for being awesome mechanics, my coach David Sutton, and Buchanan BMW for the loan of the 1 Series.”

Now the question on everyone’s lips is will Maria Costello be taking part in the Manx GP or the TT in 2006? Her answer - “Watch this space......”