Red Bull KTM Ajo rider reaches final round in Valencia with title chance, after clawing back 86 points in 5 races. Brad Binder and Karel Hanika look to complete the year with good results.

Oliveira, Malaysian Moto3 Race 2015

Few would have bet that Miguel Oliveira would be in the fight for the Moto3 title coming into the Valencian GP, after he was some 110 points behind the series leader following the British Grand Prix. However, the belief of both he and Red Bull KTM Ajo have taken the Portuguese into the series finale with a chance. Three wins and two second places from the past five races have taken him to 24 points off the top spot, with 25 still in play. Brad Binder, who has been on the podium at the last two races, and Karel Hanika, will head to the Spanish track looking complete the year with good results.

For Miguel Oliveira to win the title on Sunday, he must win the race and hope that rival Danny Kent places no higher than fifteenth. His streak over the last five races, in which he has cut the gap between the two by 86 points, allows him to keep dreaming. The best result for the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider at Valencia to date is eighth place last year.

Third in Australia and second in Malaysia, Brad Binder has made a solid push in the final stage of the season. More comfortable than ever over on his bike, the South African has become a regular fixture in the top positions. At Valencia in 2012, he came close to the rostrum with fourth place.

A crash whilst riding in the leading group prevented Karel Hanika from completing the race in Malaysia amongst the frontrunners. In the final race of the year, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider wants to round off his second season with the team in a positive manner –improving on the tenth place he took at Valencia last year.

The final Moto3 race of the season takes place at 11am this Sunday.  For the third consecutive year, the Red Bull KTM Ajo team reach the last GP of the year with a chance of winning the title –a feat no other team has managed in Moto3.

Circuit information – Comunitat Valenciana
Length: 4.005m / 2.489 miles
Width: 12m
Left corners: 9
Right corners: 5
Longest straight: 876 m / 0.544 miles
Constructed: 1999

Miguel Oliveira,
“This last race in Valencia will be a special race, as the new World Champion will be decided in Moto3, although this will not change our usual way of working. From Friday, the team will work together as we have always done to get the win on Sunday. We will try to get the most out of my KTM, with which I feel comfortable, and ride our own race.  Once we have crossed the finish line on Sunday we will see how we have done. Valencia is a track where we are used to having good races and conditions should be favourable, so we’ll see what happens and make this final push of the year; it’s sure to be worth it.”

Brad Binder,
“The Valencia circuit is very special to me. Now not only because the race is the last of the year, but because it is also the track closest to where I live in Spain. I can go there easily by car and on the Thursday, so everything will be easier. In addition, it will be a special weekend not only for me but for the team, as Miguel [Oliveira] has a chance to win the title. It should be a great GP. I’m sure there will be very good atmosphere in the team to finish the year as high up as possible. Personally, I have always enjoyed riding at this track. I’m sure if we work hard, I feel comfortable and I push hard, we can take a great result. I can’t wait for the weekend to begin.”

Karel Hanika,
“I am looking forward already to this last Grand Prix in Valencia, because last year we didn’t do too badly there. We started from the second row and completed the race in the Top 10, after being up in fifth and sixth along the way. I like the circuit and have tested there several times, always feeling quite comfortable and fast. I hope I can finish the season with a good result.”