Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider returns to action this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix. Teammate Miguel Oliveira will look to get back up to the front after a difficult race at Le Mans.

After missing three races through injury, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 welcome back Brad Binder to the fold this weekend. The South African rider, who suffered a relapse of his left arm injury during the weekend of the Argentine Grand Prix and had to undergo a third operation as a result, will be reunited with his KTM Moto2 bike this Friday at Mugello, Italy. Alongside him will be Miguel Oliveira, who hopes to get back into the Top 5 on Sunday.

Oliveira has a special affinity for the Italian track, having achieved his first Grand Prix victory in 2015 in his previous spell with the Red Bull KTM Ajo structure, in Moto3. Located in the middle of the beautiful Italian region of Tuscany, the Mugello circuit is characterised by its fast, flowing corners and for being one of the most highly attended events of the year. The Portuguese rider is hoping for good weather that allows him and the team to work on their race setup, unlike in France two weeks ago. The target will be to enter the fight for his third podium of the year.

Although not 100% fit, Brad Binder arrives in Mugello prepared and ready to get back to work. Eight weeks since his last appearance, the reigning Moto3 World Champion hopes to resume his first season in the Moto2 class with a good performance. His most recent result was a ninth place in Argentina. His victory at Mugello last year in Moto3 will provide an added morale boost for this special round.

The Moto2 World Championship round will begin on Sunday, June 4th at 12:20pm local time.

Circuit information – Mugello
Length: 5.245 m / 3.259 miles
Width: 15 metres
Left corners: 6
Right corners: 9
Longest straight: 1.141 m / 0.709 miles
Constructed: 1974

41 BRAD BINDER
“Being able to compete again after my injury feels great, as it has been a very long few weeks watching the races from home. I’m happy, because after the third operation I think we have taken an important step forward and I feel that my arm is healing correctly; after the other surgeries I found rehab a little harder. It is clear that I am not yet at 100% physically, but I think I am ready to compete. Mugello is a circuit where I have always enjoyed riding. I got my first podium there in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and a victory in Moto3 last year. It’s a track that has always been pretty good for me, but this weekend, on my return, I just want to test how my arm is and see where we are.”

44 MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“Mugello is a tricky circuit because there are many flowing corners and you have to be very precise, because any mistake can set you up badly for the following corners. You have to be very clean with your lines. Last year was not at all bad for me there, so I hope this year improve my times or get back into the top positions. After Le Mans, which did not go how we wanted, we will try to keep learning. As always, we are motivated about this new project, and although I’m sure we will have further difficult weekends we know that we can improve a lot still. I also have very good memories of Mugello; it was here that I got my first Grand Prix victory -with Red Bull KTM Ajo. We hope to repeat a good result this Sunday.”