The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders aim to take their first podium finishes of the season this weekend, at a track where they have previous rostrum experience.

After two weeks rest following the inaugural event of the season in Qatar, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team face the only South American round of the year. Argentina already holds special memories for Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder, who are hoping to continue their positive experience on the fifth MotoGP visit to the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit.

Fifth position in Qatar did not meet Oliveira’s expectations for the season opener. The Portuguese wants at least a podium finish in Argentina, where he placed on the rostrum for the first time in the intermediate class last year. In addition to his second position, he also took his maiden pole position in Moto2 that weekend. These results should serve as a motivation for the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider at a circuit which has had some sections laid with new asphalt.

Teammate Brad Binder has also had great performances at this round. A third place and his first pole position in Moto3, in 2016, are his best memories, although ninth place last year in his rookie season in Moto2 is also a noteworthy result. In that race he took his first points in the class, climbing 15 positions and with a broken arm. Fond of the characteristics of the track, the South African arrives in Argentina well rested after spending a few days in his native country.

Unlike last year, the Moto2 practice and qualifying sessions won’t close each day. Qualifying will begin at 1:30pm -6:30pm CET-; The second race of the year will take place at 1:20pm local time -6:20pm CET- on Sunday.

Circuit information – Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo
Length: 4.806 m / 2.986 miles
Width: 16 metres
Left corners: 5
Right corners: 9
Longest straight: 1.076 m / 0.669 miles
Constructed: 2008
Modified: 2012

44 MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
“After the first round of the season in Qatar we’ve had plenty of time to spend at home, training. I’ve been riding bikes a lot, in order not to lose my feel for it. I’m really looking forward to returning to Termas de Rio Hondo because I enjoy riding there a lot; We have achieved good results there as well. I don’t have a clear objective; I will just continue working as we have always done to try to at least improve a little on the result from the first race. That would be a positive first step. We must remain among the top positions.”

41 BRAD BINDER
“These two weeks without racing have been perfect for me to go home to South Africa and enjoy the good weather before this second round of the year. I am anxious to return to Argentina, where two years ago I achieved my first pole position as a World Championship rider and placed on the podium. Also, last year I got my first points in Moto2 there. It’s a really cool track and I hope to be in the fight for the podium this Sunday.”