Brad Binder and Jorge Martin contest Q2 and will start from the second and third row of the grid, respectively, in Austin.

Heavy rain at the Circuit of The Americas forced the cancellation of FP3 for the Moto2 riders, but the Red Bull KTM Ajo duo, Brad Binder and Jorge Martin, were able to make it into Q2 via a determined effort in Q1. The South African will start from 5th place on Sunday at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, with his teammate in 8th.

Q1 would be the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders’ first session on Saturday, and would take place in dry conditions after the rain cleared. Jorge Martin topped the timesheets, with Brad Binder in third position, as both made the cut for Q2.

The South African led the way at the beginning of the session and remained there for much of the second qualifying practice. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider was fifth, stopping the clock at 2:11.276 and lowering his time from Friday by 4 tenths. The reigning Moto3 World Champion, Jorge Martin, set a 2:12.006 lap and will take off from the third row of the grid in 8th place.

The 18-lap Moto2 race will start tomorrow at 12.20pm local time. Last year, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team managed to get on the podium at the Texan track thanks to a third place for Miguel Oliveira.

Results Moto2 Qualifying session
1. Marcel Schrotter (Kalex) 2:10.875
2. Alex Marquez (Kalex) 2:10.933 +0.058
3. Sam Lowes (Kalex) 2:11.123 +0.248
4. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 2:11.243 +0.368
5. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:11.276 +0.401
8. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 2:12.006 +1.131

41 BRAD BINDER

“Today was a tough day in general. After not being able to ride in FP3, we still had some issues in Q1. However, starting from fifth position on the grid is something positive for the race. I feel that we still need to make some changes that will allow me to be more comfortable on the bike. The important thing is that in both sessions today I learned a lot and tomorrow I will put all this knowledge into practice. I want to thank the team for the hard work they have done.”

88 JORGE MARTIN

“It has been a positive day. Even though yesterday did not go well for us, today I was optimistic and had the desire to continue taking steps forward. In the end we achieved our best grid spot of the year so far, with an eighth position. I came away from Q2 motivated and, although there is still work to be done, we have made great improvements. I hope that tomorrow we can find what we have been missing and that we are able to be competitive. I will strive to be among the best of the rookies.”