The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider produced a strong comeback to finish third in the Japanese Grand Prix, with Brad Binder in 12th position.

The flyaway triple header could not have got off to a better start for Jorge Martin, who recorded today his first podium result in the intermediate category by finishing third at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Spaniard made up 11 positions in the race, to earn the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 team their seventh podium of the season. For his part, Brad Binder had to save a crash at the start of the contest which lost him several positions, forcing him to fight back and eventually take 12th place.

Martin, who took off from the fifth row of the grid, made a spectacular start, setting a very strong pace, which saw him overtake six rivals in less than five laps. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider continued to make up positions and, by the half way point in the contest, he was up to fourth. The Spaniard put together a series of fast laps which allowed him to hunt down the third classified at the end of the race. He then successfully overtook his rival and was able to hold on for a first Moto2 podium. Jorge continues to climb up the general standings and is now in 14th place, with 63 points.

Binder, meanwhile, started well from the sixth row of the grid and, at the first corner, he overtook four rivals. The South African set a strong pace but on the third lap he lost several positions when saving a crash. Brad therefore dropped back to 21st, but he managed to make his way back up to 12th by the end of the race, setting similar times to the leading riders. Following this result, Binder sits fifth in the championship, with 184 points.

With no time to rest, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 riders head straight on to the Australian Grand Prix, which will take place at the Phillip Island circuit from 25th to 27th October.

Results (Moto2 Race)
1. Luca Marini (Kalex) 40:57.279
2. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) +0.560
3. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +3.593
4. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Kalex) +3.999
5. Jorge Navarro (Speed Up) +5.236
12. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +14.864

Moto2 World Championship Standings 2019
1. Alex Marquez (Kalex) 234 points
2. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 198 points
3. Augusto Fernandez (Kalex) 192 points
4. Jorge Navarro (Speed Up) 186 points
5. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 184 points
14. Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 63 points

Aki Ajo – Team manager

“It was a weekend of ups and downs in Moto2. On Friday, on the dry track, it was very positive for us, but unfortunately yesterday with mixed conditions and wet tyres we did not have a good feeling. That complicated our work in the race, as starting from the back of the grid is always difficult. However, Jorge [Martin] did an incredible job today, his pace was very fast throughout the contest and we are very happy for his first podium. Unfortunately, for Brad [Binder] it has not been an easy day. It seems that there was an issue with his rear tyre and together with his starting position, that made his race very tough.”

41 BRAD BINDER

“Today wasn’t a good day. From the very first lap I realised that something was wrong with the rear tyre, as I had no grip. There were some further problems as well, so I decided to play it safe and finish the race. Today we had some bad luck and it’s a shame because we were having a good weekend. We were fast from the first moment here. That’s racing and in Australia we will fight again to be up front.”

88 JORGE MARTIN

“I still can’t believe it. We worked very well all weekend and, although yesterday the qualifying was in the wet we had a good pace. Today at the beginning of the race I dropped back, but as I started to make up the positions little by little I moved forward. Fighting for third place was difficult and I was on the limit setting fast laps. This first podium feels great and I hope to continue like this for the rest of the season.”