Unforgettable first podium for Darryn Binder

21/10/2018

Red Bull KTM Ajo rider gets third place at the Japanese GP for his first Moto3 World Championship podium.

 

Darryn Binder received a deserved reward at Twin Ring Motegi for the good work he has done in recent GPs, claiming his first ever World Championship podium at the Japanese Grand Prix. The South African fought for the victory right to the line, coming home third –just 42 thousandths of a second behind the race winner.

Starting from his career best grid position of fifth, Binder made a good start and held his place. The South African was in the front group, which initially consisted of 13 riders, for the entirety of the 20-lap contest. Despite dropping to tenth place at one point, he regained positions and was among the top three at the midway point of the contest. From there, constant overtaking led to him leading the race, although on the final straight he lost out due to a slipstream. Nevertheless, third place is a terrific result for the young talent.

With the 16 points earned today, Darryn Binder climbs to nineteenth position in the overall standings, on a total of 44 points. In addition, this is the fourth consecutive year that the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team have placed on the podium in Japan.

 

Results (Race)
1. Marco Bezzecchi (KTM) 39:35.653
2. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Honda) +0.041
3. Darryn Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +0.042
4. Dennis Foggia (KTM) +0.212
5. John McPhee (KTM) +0.251

Moto3 World Championship Standing 2018
1. Jorge Martin (Honda) 204 points
2. Marco Bezzecchi (KTM) 203 points
3. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Honda) 175 points
4. Enea Bastianini (Honda) 142 points
5. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Honda) 131 points
19. Darryn Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 44 points

 

AKI AJO – TEAM MANAGER
“It was an awesome day here at Motegi. We are having a difficult year in Moto3 and it is also being demanding for Darryn [Binder], since it is difficult for him to find this confidence and a consistent speed during the season. This weekend, despite some small technical issues that deprived us of putting in more laps, Darryn has remained very focused and put up a great fight in the race. I am impressed with how intelligent he has been and how well he managed every lap.”

40 DARRYN BINDER
“I’m very happy to have taken my first podium in the World Championship. Of course, I can’t complain about third position, but exiting the last corner I thought I had the victory in the bag -in the end it wasn’t to be. It was a very tough, fiercely contested race. After a season that has been hard for various reasons, in recent races we have made very important progress that has allowed us to be higher up the order -and I am very proud of this. This podium is a reward for our good work. I thank the team and all those who support me for everything.”

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