Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders enjoy sunny conditions at Jerez and complete the second day of the official test in sixth and ninth place, respectively.

Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder took part in a fourth day of 2018 preseason testing this Tuesday at Jerez. Positive weather conditions meant that they put in more laps than on any other previous occasion, aiding their lowering of lap times by around half a second. The pair finished in the Top 10 on the combined timesheet for the day.

The intermediate class riders were able to take full advantage of the three Moto2-exclusive sessions. So much so, that Oliveira and Binder put in more than 60 laps apiece. The Portuguese set his best time in the session at midday, with a 1:42.154 that has placed him sixth for the day. Oliveira was unable to reduce his time in the last hour of action, suffering a light crash that prevented him from completing the session.

Binder improved his times in each of the three sessions held on Tuesday, and occupied ninth place thanks to his best lap of 1:42.309.

Tomorrow sees the completion of the second week of 2018 preseason testing.

Combined Standings Day 2
1. Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex) 1:41.638
2. Alex Marquez (Kalex) 1:41.848 +0.210
3. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Kalex) 1:41.992 +0.354
4. Luca Marini (Kalex) 1:42.014 +0.376
5. Mattia Pasini (Kalex) 1:42.053 +0.415
6. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:42.154 +0.516
9. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:42.309 +0.671

44 MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“Today was a positive day, although unfortunately I suffered a light crash at the end of the day. I wasn’t hurt at all, however. We dedicated the day to getting the bike ready and working on the lack of grip we have with the rear. I am very satisfied with the work we have done. Tomorrow we have to continue in this way. We’ll look for a setup that allows us to go fast, in order to better manage the tyres for the race and have a good pace.”

41 BRAD BINDER
“Even though today was a little windy, it was definitely the best day for riding that we’ve had so far this year. Every time we go out on track, there’s an improvement. I think that the more laps I put in, the better I feel. We still have work ahead of us, but the bike is performing very well. I have to focus on my riding so that I can take another step forward and continue the progression we’ve had so far. I’m comfortable riding, so we have to keep working in the same way.”