Brad Binder and Bo Bendsneyder undertake first two days of testing for 2016, after two months out of action.

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Thursday saw the Red Bull KTM Ajo team begin their first test of the year, in Valencia. The two-day visit to the Spanish circuit saw Brad Binder and Bo Bendsneyder get back onboard their KTM bike after a two-month testing ban for the Moto3 field. Both riders were satisfied with their first impressions, despite strong winds affecting the two days. The duo will continue their  preseason work on Sunday at Jerez.

Binder and Bendsneyder had two days to find their feel for the KTM Moto3 bike at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, although the weather conditions did not make it easy. Rainfall on Thursday afternoon and constant gusts of wind caused plenty of problems for some riders, but Binder was able to complete a total of 98 laps and Bendsneyder 99. Both suffered small crashes on Friday morning, from which they escaped unharmed and were able to continue to work with KTM bike –which from the outset has given a very good feeling to the whole team.

The 2016 preseason continues for Red Bull KTM Ajo at Jerez on Sunday, as they ride in another two-day test.

Brad Binder,
“We couldn’t ride much yesterday, as it rained in the afternoon, but it was very good to get back on the KTM and regain a feel for the bike after two months off it. Yesterday was fine for a first encounter with the bike, despite the rain and strong gusts of wind. Today we had some doubts when we went out, because the wind was strong again. It’s true that we didn’t have the best conditions, but we have learned a lot about the bike for this year, we have taken note and -once we were more relaxed- started going fast at the end of the day. We are eager to continue working in Jerez.”

Bo Bendsneyder,
“These first two days of testing have gone very well. We were able to try out many different setups for the bike. After two months without riding the KTM, I enjoyed myself and we improved a lot. These days of testing have helped us to take stock, correctly position myself on the bike and, above all, feel comfortable. We have improved the feeling of the bike in general, but especially the front end. Now we go to Jerez, where we are sure we can continue taking steps forward.”

Aki Ajo,
“I am satisfied with these two days in Valencia. I think these days of testing are good to get on the bike, find an initial feeling and get things underway again. We do not have a target beyond getting everything back in place and going again. I’m happy with how the new bike is behaving. The feeling is very similar to last year’s, but we have found improvements. What I am most happy about is that everything worked perfectly from the start, and this gives us more possibilities for further improvement. I am very pleased with this start and the excellent support of KTM.”