Brad Binder and Bo Bendsneyder complete two positive days of testing at Jerez Circuit, as Dutchman makes first appearance as World Championship rider.

Bendsneyder, Jerez Moto2/3 test. November 2015

The 2015 season concluded last Sunday with a victory for Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Miguel Oliveira. This week, preparations for 2016 got underway for the team. The new lineup of Brad Binder and Bo Bendsneyder were on track for two days of intensive and productive work at Jerez Circuit, concluding on Friday. Binder is readying himself for his second season with the team, whilst the winner of the 2015 Red Bull Rookies Cup will debut in the World Championship next year.

Bendsneyder had his first opportunity to get onboard the KTM Moto3 World Championship bike this week, and the Dutchman was helped out by new teammate Binder –who placed on the podium at Jerez in May.  Good weather and high temperatures allowed the Red Bull KTM Ajo duo to make the most of every minute of track time; Binder rode 129 laps and Bendsneyder 135. Both were very pleased with the two days, in which South African managed to ride faster than the circuit record.

The last test before the winter ban comes into effect will be held next Monday and Tuesday, at Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo Circuit.

Brad Binder,
“The feeling we have found during these two days in Jerez has been really amazing. I’d say we could not have started the 2016 preseason better. We have worked hard, making the most of the two days and finding significant improvements. I am very satisfied with the work that KTM have done for us, because by changing the smallest details of the setup we have taken great steps forward. The fastest lap was very good and the pace we had was consistent, so thanks to the team and KTM. We will continue working next week in Valencia.”

Bo Bendsneyder,
“That’s my first two days of testing with the Moto3 bike completed! They have very well gone and I have learned a lot. The first day was hard for me, because it was all new –the team and the bike– but we had a great day and the weather allowed us to put in a lot of laps. Today we learned a lot about how the bike works. I think it went really well and we were able to improve with the KTM lap after lap.

Now I know the team and the bike, so I’m already looking forward to Monday and riding in Valencia –a track I like.”