Brad Binder and Jorge Martin had a positive first day at the French Grand Prix, with the South African rider topping the timesheets.

The French Grand Prix action commenced today at the legendary Le Mans Circuit with the first two free practice sessions. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team were in good form, with Brad Binder the fastest rider on the combined FP1 and FP2 timesheets, whilst Jorge Martin was 13th. Both riders are provisionally classified for Q2 tomorrow.

The South African rider was on top during the early part of FP1, which took place in dry conditions. On lap 16 of 17, he notched his personal best of 1:37.110 – which was just two tenths of a second off the fastest time – and finished the session third. His teammate, Jorge Martin, completed 17 laps and concluded 12th, with a 1:37.450.

In the afternoon, Brad Binder confirmed his good feeling, leading from the start of the session and lowering his morning time. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider ultimately recorded the best time of FP2 and the day overall with his last attempt – 1:36.551. Jorge Martin put in 18 laps, as he continued working on the set up of his bike. The Spaniard finished the Friday sessions in 13th, with a personal best of 1:37.140.

From today’s results Brad Binder and Jorge Martin provisionally go straight into Qualifying 2, with FP3 to come tomorrow morning. The Moto2 Q1 session starts at 3:05 pm local time, followed by Q2 at 3:30 pm.

Results (Combined practice times FP1 – FP2)
1. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:36.551
2. Remy Gardner (Kalex) 1:36.600 +0.049
3. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Kalex) 1:36.668 +0.117
4. Augusto Fernandez (Kalex) 1:36.687 +0.136
5. Mattia Pasini (Kalex) 1:36.694 +0.143
13. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:37.140 +0.58

 

41 BRAD BINDER

“I am very happy because KTM upgrades have arrived and I felt much more comfortable. We’ve made gains with some points on the bike but we have also lost a bit in other aspects. It is important to stay clever now, keep pushing and make the best of it, in all the areas we can. I am satisfied with the work we’ve done, as it’s the best Friday of the season so far and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I hope the conditions stay dry, even though it looks like we might have to deal with a couple of rainy days ahead.”

88 JORGE MARTIN

“Today was pretty good, better than in Jerez. We have been trying things from the test of last week and I felt more comfortable. The new chassis has some positive things, but we must also improve on other points. We have to keep working hard. However, I’m happy with the feeling we had today. I qualified for Q2 and that is very important. We hope it won’t rain tomorrow so we can keep working for Sunday. I know we have the potential to do well.”