Bo 21st at Jerez

Brad Binder claimed his very first Moto3 victory at the Red Bull Grand Prix of Spain, and did so in spectacularly unexpected style. Due to a penalty given to him by Race Direction, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider began from last on the starting grid -35th-, but was able to pass the entire Moto3 field to cross the finish line first at Jerez. Teammate Bo Bendsneyder placed twenty-first in the race. Binder was required to make a strong start if he was to overcome the odds on raceday, and the South African did just that. In two laps, he had gained 19 positions; by Lap 6, he was up into the Top 10. With a pace in the 1:47s, he continued to move his way up the order and caught three riders who had escaped at the front at the halfway mark. With 6 laps remaining, Binder took the lead and broke away for the win. Bendsneyder started from seventeenth position and began the race well, but got slowed down by a group that exchanged numerous passes and lowered their pace as a result. On one such tussle, the Moto3 rookie was involved in an incident with another rider and was relegated to 29th. He was able to make a slight recovery before the end, and the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider completed the race 21st. Brad Binder is the first ever South African to win a Grand Prix in the lowest cylinder class, and the first from his country to win a Grand Prix in any class since Jon Ekerold won the 350cc race at Monza in 1981. The victory also allows him to increase his lead in the overall standings to 15 points. Bo Bendsneyder lies 25th in the table, with 2 points.

Results (Race):

RACE

Aki Ajo – Team Manager
“It was an incredible race. Of course, we expected a good result, because Brad [Binder] has been getting stronger and stronger with every race. Also, during the weekend he had been consistent and fast, but we were worried about the starting position on the grid. I was not completely sure, but he showed that it was possible and we are very proud of him and his comeback. It’s been a difficult weekend for Bo [Bendsneyder]. We know he can do better and we need to analyse why this weekend has been so difficult. It is not an easy circuit for him, and let’s not forget that he is a rookie and needs to continue learning.”

41 BRAD BINDER

“I had imagined that my first victory would be difficult to achieve, but I didn’t think I’d get it from last on the grid. I knew there was a possibility of doing this, because I have been very strong all weekend, but actually managing it was incredible. I am very grateful to my parents, Red Bull KTM Ajo and Aki [Ajo]. It’s a great day for me, for my country and I hope for many more people as well.”

64 BO BENDSNEYDER

“My start was really good. Then I was overtaken by some other riders a little later, because I went too wide, and that made me lose focus. However, I was able to recover and I found the pace to fight for the points. I was involved in an incident with another rider, in which I lost almost 12 seconds, and from then it was impossible to fight back. I finished without crashing, I’m happy and I am already looking forward to the next race.”

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