Brad Binder untouchable at Aragon

22/09/2019

The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider recorded his second win of the season in a race he dominated from start to finish. Martin produced a great comeback to end ninth.

 

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 had a fantastic day at MotorLand Aragon, with Brad Binder taking the victory for the second time in 2019. It was the South African’s fifth podium in seven races, as he completely outperformed his rivals at the Spanish track. Jorge Martin rounded off a great Sunday for the team by crossing the line in ninth position, equaling his second best result of the season.

Brad made a strong start from third place on the grid, taking the lead on the first corner and holding on to that position right to the checkered flag. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider set a rapid pace right the initial stages, increasing his advantage over his rivals and reaching the halfway point of the race with a lead of more than a second. Although he had built up that gap to more than two seconds with ten laps to go, the rival in second place applied the pressure in the last part of the contest, but some strong race craft from Binder over the last part of the contest secured him the win.

For his part, Martin matched his second best result of the year, with the Spaniard battling in the chasing group throughout the race. The current Moto3 World Champion, who started from the fifth row of the grid, got away well and by the end of the first lap he was already up to ninth. Jorge was fighting for eighth position in the first half of the contest and, despite losing some rhythm in the final laps, he was able to finish in the Top 10, in ninth place.

Following this brilliant result at Aragon, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team now head East, for the next round of the World Championship at the Buriram Circuit, where the Thailand Grand Prix will take place from 4th to 6th October.

 

Results (Moto2 Race)
1. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 39:45.177
2. Jorge Navarro (Speed Up) +0.787
3. Alex Marquez (Kalex) +2.876
4. Luca Marini (Kalex) +5.387
5. Sam Lowes (Kalex) +5.601
9. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +14.775

Moto2 World Championship Standings 2019
1. Alex Marquez (Kalex) 213 points
2. Jorge Navarro (Speed Up) 175 points
3. Augusto Fernandez (Kalex) 171 points
4. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 169 points
5. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 160 points
17. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 37 points

 

Aki Ajo – Team manager

“Brad Binder had another great race, demonstrating just who he is and what he is capable of. The beginning of the weekend was not easy, but yesterday everything started to get on track for the team. Although Brad had big hopes for the podium, we didn’t expect the victory. However he made a solid start and led for the entire contest, showing great style. That’s not something every rider can do, so I’m very happy for him. Jorge’s race didn’t quite go as we’d expected. After the strong GP he had, we were really hoping for a little more, so we have to analyse what happened in the final part where he lost several places. However, it’s still a good result and a good weekend for us.”

41 BRAD BINDER

“The key to this race was making a strong start which allowed me to lead right from the first lap. I decided it was better not to check the board and just do my best. I was riding as hard as I could and it wouldn’t have helped me to see if my advantage had increased or decreased. I tried to be as smooth as possible. In the end we crossed the finish line first, and that’s what matters most. It’s a great day for me and my team and I want to thank them. I’m really happy. The second half of the year is always best for me because we go to the circuits where I’m stronger and I enjoy riding the most. There are still a few rounds left before the end of the season and I hope to get back on the podium again.”

88 JORGE MARTIN

“It’s been a tough weekend. Although the start was really good, I didn’t feel comfortable on the bike during the race and, after the halfway point, I began to struggle a lot with the rear grip. During the last few laps I did my best to overtake four riders and finish ninth. We achieved our objective which was to stay in the Top 10. Now we have to keep working hard.”

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