Miguel Oliveira, Brad Binder and Karel Hanika to participate in Moto3 World Championship’s season-opening Qatar Grand Prix.

Once again, Sunday night in Qatar will begin the season for the Moto3 World Championship. The three-time World Championship winning team in the lower cylinder category, Red Bull KTM Ajo, start the campaign with a trio of riders who combine experience and youth: Miguel Oliveira, Brad Binder and Karel Hanika. Excited and optimistic, the three hope to fight for podiums and wins from the very first race.

After a final preseason test in Jerez hit by rain and bad weather last week, the Red Bull KTM Ajo riders arrive in Qatar wanting to get the most out of their new KTM bikes. Comfortable with their machinery in all conditions, Oliveira, Binder and Hanika are setting no limits for themselves. Last year at this round the Portuguese finished fourth, whilst the Czech completed his first ever Grand Prix in 14th and collected points. Brad Binder achieved his best result at Losail in 2013, with 12th place.

As is tradition at this first race, the Grand Prix takes place over four days. The action begins on Thursday with the first two practice sessions, with the Moto3 race on Sunday at 6pm local time.

Circuit information – Losail
Length: 5.380 metres / 3.343 miles
Width: 12 metres
Left corners: 6
Right corners: 10
Longest straight: 1.068 metres / 0.664 miles
Constructed: 2004

Miguel Oliveira

“Losail is a circuit where nothing stands out too much, as it doesn’t have many slopes and a particularly long straight, where a slipstream can always make a difference. The races there are usually in groups and sometimes a little chaotic, so there is no need to get too stressed as it is the first race. In the opening GP there are always some nerves, which is normal because we have not competed for a few months, but I’m confident. I think we are all fairly ready to start. My goal is to give my best. Finishing in the Top 5 would be considered a good start to the season, but if in the final stage of the race I am in the front group, we will strive to be as high up as possible.”

Brad Binder

“Qatar has always been a difficult track for me, since I’ve never shown what I’m capable of in the first race. Still, I feel much more prepared than at other times. I am already looking forward to riding there. I like the circuit a lot and always enjoy it. We’ll see what we can do. My goal is to try to get on the podium. It is true that in preseason testing we have not been where I would have liked to have been, but I hope that Qatar is different because it is a circuit that suits my riding style quite well; it has more faster corners than slow ones.”

Karel Hanika

“I can’t wait to start the Qatar Grand Prix, because it is the first race of the season and the first after a long hiatus. I like the track layout very much. Last year it was difficult to get used to the conditions there, but in the end we did pretty well and even managed to score points. I hope to enjoy the race and that the result is the one we want. Riding at night is special and I like the circuit. There are some areas where I have to learn how to take a perfect line, as it is easy to lose time. If we find the way to go fast in these particular areas, we will do well.

The goal is to finish the race and keep the bike upright in every session. We will have to work hard to get into the front group and stay with them.”