Red Bull KTM Ajo seek repeat performance in Malaysia

21/10/2015

Miguel Oliveira, Brad Binder and Karel Hanika reach end of flyaway stage convinced of podium chances at Sepang International Circuit.

Oliveira, Moto3 race,  Australian MotoGP 2015

Oliveira, Moto3 race, Australian MotoGP 2015

Victory for Miguel Oliveira and third place for Brad Binder was an excellent reward from the Australian GP, and Red Bull KTM Ajo were also boosted by seeing Karel Hanika up with them for much of the race. The excellent results are ones that the trio want to repeat this weekend at the Malaysian Grand Prix –the penultimate round on the calendar. Miguel Oliveira comes into this weekend with four consecutive podium finishes –two of them wins– and with a mathematical chance of the title, for which he wants to fight until the last possible moment. Binder and Hanika have their eye on the podium and trying to add more points to their tally.

With a second place in Japan and the triumph in Australia, Miguel Oliveira wants to close three consecutive weeks of action with another rostrum finish and continue dreaming of the title. The Portuguese is 40 points behind the series leader with 50 still in play. Without any pressure and with the objective of taking two wins to secure second place in the Moto3 World Championship, Oliveira wants to continue his great form in Sepang. He already has a Moto3 podium at the venue, with third place in 2013.

Sepang is the favourite circuit of Brad Binder. The South African left Australia with third place, but for him it was not enough. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider was left wanting more, so wants to be in the fight for victory on Sunday. His best result to date in Malaysia is eleventh in 2013.

Meanwhile, in Australia Karel Hanika had a spell at the front of the field. The Czech was among the fastest riders until a crash ruined his chances of a podium. Confident in his abilities and his KTM, Hanika hopes to improve on the ninth place from his debut at this track.

The penultimate race of the year in Moto3 starts at 12pm local time Sunday.

Circuit information – Sepang International Circuit
Length: 5.543m / 3.444 miles
Width: 25m
Left corners: 5
Right corners: 10
Longest straight: 920m / 0.572 miles
Constructed: 1998

Miguel Oliveira,
“We reach the end of three consecutive weeks, in which so far we have taken a win and a second place, so it’s not bad. We want to continue in the same line at the Malaysian GP, which brings back good memories because in 2013 I managed a podium there. It’s a completely different track to Phillip Island, which is unique on the calendar, but anyway, I’m sure the race will be very hard fought. We must continue working like at the last race, and try to be at the front in each session. We still have a chance to fight for the title. We have an obligation to try until the last moment and go for the two victories that remain up for grabs.”

Brad Binder,
“Sepang is my favorite track. I love this Grand Prix. Malaysia is a very special place for me because I always really enjoy every time we visit this country. For me the circuit is one of the best in the world, it is very nice and it’s a good way to end the three consecutive races in Japan, Australia and Malaysia that are my favourite part of the calendar. The podium finish last week gives me a lot of confidence and makes me go to Malaysia eager to fight for victory.”

Karel Hanika,
“This will be my second visit to Malaysia and the truth is that the Sepang International Circuit is a very difficult track. It has many corners of all different kinds and it is a very wide track. This is very important because it makes it difficult to find the right line for every turn, so it will be important to find a fast line and not get confused at any time. In addition, the races there are difficult because it is usually very hot and it is not easy to stay focused throughout the whole race. I think we have a good base with the setup information from last year, and also from my experience of having already ridden there, so I hope for a good performance.”

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