Brad Binder looks to consolidate series lead after first victory at Jerez. Bo Bendsneyder goes to a circuit where he scored a podium last year in the FIM CEV.

The arrival in Europe of the World Championship has worked out well so far for Red Bull KTM Ajo: Brad Binder took his first victory in Jerez, fighting back from last position on the grid, and increased his lead in the Moto3 class. With the South African’s latest podium, Red Bull KTM Ajo have accumulated a run of 10 consecutive podiums across the 2015/16 campaigns. Up next for the team is the French Grand Prix at Le Mans, where Bo Bendsneyder claimed third place last year in the FIM CEV.

For Brad Binder, the historic track presents a big challenge, after an unfortunate 2015 French GP that ended for him at the first chicane. However, this season the South African comes into the event off the back of a perfect podium record from the opening four races, and his first GP victory at the last round at Jerez. Alongside MotoGP rider Marc Marquez, Binder is the only man to place on the rostrum at every event so far. His aim for this weekend is to extend his 15-point advantage over his nearest rival.

Bo Bendsneyder will attempt to get back in the points and regain a good feeling with his bike, at a track already familiar to him; last year he achieved third place at Le Mans in the FIM CEV. The young Dutchman took a step forward in performance at Jerez, although an incident in the race deprived him of the chance to compete in a group fighting for points.

The Moto3 French Grand Prix will be held on Sunday, May 8th, at 11:00am local time.

Circuit information – Le Mans
Length: 4.185 metres / 2.600 miles
Width: 13 metres
Left corners: 5
Right corners: 9
Longest straight: 674 metres / 0.419 miles
Constructed: 1966
Modified: 2008

41 BRAD BINDER

“The French Grand Prix at the historic circuit of Le Mans will be a new challenge for us, after our four consecutive podium finishes in this great start to the season. It’s not one of my favourite tracks, although it has its peculiarities that make it special. The important thing is not the circuit, but the feeling we have upon arrival. After my first victory I am very confident and we are ready to remain in the top positions this weekend.”

64 BO BENDSNEYDER

“I’m looking forward to racing at Le Mans this weekend. It’s a circuit that I know because I had a very good race there last year in the FIM CEV –going up on the podium for the first time. It is a track that I like, it’s not too difficult. In addition, the weather always throws out some surprises, so we will see what we find this time. We will work hard from the first practice session to the race, in order to ride in the positions we should be in.”