The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider set the second fastest time in qualifying, with his teammate, Jorge Martin, also in the Top 5.

After an excellent opening day, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders were on form again on Saturday as they both qualified in the Top 5 at the Australian Grand Prix. Despite the challenging weather conditions experienced today at the Phillip Island Circuit, Brad Binder was second in a Q2 session that was affected by rain in the final minutes. For his part, Jorge Martin will start fifth on the grid tomorrow, after missing the front row by just seven thousandths of a second.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 pair picked up their work where they left off yesterday and, despite the strong wind experienced in FP3, both riders set a solid pace. Brad Binder improved throughout the session and took a big step forward towards the end to finish in fifth position. The South African completed a total of 15 laps, setting his personal best on the 12th – 1:34.066. For his part, Jorge Martin was competitive throughout FP3, riding amongst the fastest men from the start. The Spaniard notched a 1:34.281 on the 13th attempt of 19 in total, which put him 9th.

Brad Binder and Jorge Martin both went directly into Q2 courtesy of their times from Friday. The second qualifying session for the Moto2 riders was cut short due to rain in the last few minutes. Brad Binder had produced a quick lap in the opening minutes of the practice – 1:33.886 – which secured him a spot on the front row of the grid for the fourth time this season, in second position. Jorge Martin, meanwhile, earned the fifth place – 1:33.941 -, which left him just 0.007s off the front row.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders will start their 25-lap race at the Australian Grand Prix tomorrow at 1:20 pm local time.

Results (Qualifying session)
1. Jorge Navarro (Speed Up) 1:33.565
2. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:33.886 +0.321
3. Luca Marini (Kalex) 1:33.934 +0.369
4. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Speed Up) 1:33.936 +0.371
5. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1:33.941 +0.376

41 BRAD BINDER

“Today was a pretty good Saturday. We experienced some extremely difficult conditions on track, as the gusts of wind were very strong. It was essential to keep calm and ride smoothly. I’m very happy to have got second position on the starting grid for tomorrow. Qualifying on the front row was just what I needed and I think I can do a good job in the race. It’s time to stay focused, work hard and hopefully we can achieve another good result.”

88 JORGE MARTIN

“It was a positive day. This morning it was hard because of the wind, but in the afternoon we managed to take a big step forward. It was a shame still because I think we were in with a shot of the pole position today, but on my best lap it started to rain and that held me back. The important thing is that we have a solid pace to fight tomorrow, so we have to make a good start and stay ahead if we want to battle for victory.”