Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 get action underway in Argentina

29/03/2019

Brad Binder and Jorge Martin enjoy a solid first day at Termas de Rio Hondo.

The second Grand Prix of the season -and the only round held in South America- started today at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders, Brad Binder and Jorge Martin, had a solid first day, with both lowering their lap times from FP1 to FP2.

Brad Binder was strong from the first session onwards, and was among the fastest riders on the timesheets. Improving steadily, the South African ended the session fourth with a 1:44.394 lap, less than two tenths off the top spot. The reigning Moto3 World Champion, Jorge Martin, was 11th, clocking a personal best of 1:44.734 from his 19 laps.

In FP2, the Spaniard took a giant step forward, thanks to a final 1:43.651 time. Putting in a total of 15 laps, he finished the session -and the combined practice times- in ninth position. Brad Binder completed a total of 17 laps and set a fastest time of 1:43.773, concluding 13th overall.

With this result, both riders would provisionally go into Q2. FP3 takes place tomorrow, ahead of Q1 at 01:30pm and Q2 at 01:55pm local time.

Results (Combined practice times FP1 – FP2)
1. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 1:43.353
2. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 1:43.445 +0.092
3. Remy Gardner (Kalex) 1:43.477 +0.124
4. Augusto Fernandez (Kalex) 1:43.518 + 0.165
5. Nicolo Bulega (Kalex) 1:43.605 + 0.252
9. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:43.651 + 0.298
13. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:43.773 + 0.420

41 BRAD BINDER

“The FP1 has gone pretty well, but in the afternoon we had some issues at different points that we must resolve before Saturday. The important thing is that we know what we have to work on, so that is positive. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, because if we find our way and solve the small setbacks that we experienced today, we will be feeling good again.”

88 JORGE MARTIN

“Today has gone pretty well. In the morning I placed outside the Top 10, but even so I felt comfortable and I was able to ride with the fastest riders. In FP2, I had a very good feeling with the soft tyre, although when we put on the hard compound we struggled a little more. We have found a shock absorber that works very well for us and we improved with used tyres, so we are very happy. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, it will be important to get a good position on the grid for the race on Sunday.”

Partners



MotoE