First DNF for Bendsneyder at Misano

Brad Binder took a big step towards sealing the Moto3 title at the San Marino Grand Prix this Sunday, taking a fifth win of the season. The South African claimed victory from pole position, having to make a last lap pass to triumph for the second weekend in succession. He now has a 106-point lead in the overall standings, and the chance to seal the title in a fortnight’s time at Aragon. Teammate Bo Bendsneyder failed to finish the race after an unfortunate crash on the first lap. Binder showed his talent and intelligence at Misano on race day. After a good start, six laps were enough for the South African to open a gap to the rest of the field, with Enea Bastianini, the only rider able to keep up with his pace. Binder led for most of the race, but was overtaken five laps from the end. Rather than losing his cool and looking for risky attacks, the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider bided his time until the last lap and got back in front on the final sector to cross the line first. Red Bull KTM Ajo teammate, Bo Bendsneyder, was unlucky at Misano. Starting from 21st position on the grid, the Dutch rookie did not get a good start and was in the midst of a large group of riders. A first-lap crash at Turn 15 ended his day before he had a chance to attempt a move up the order, as he was forced to retire from the action. Brad Binder now has 229 points to his name and further extends his lead in the overall standings to 106 points. Bo Bendsneyder remains on 52 points, in fourteenth.

Aki Ajo – Team Manager:
“Once again, Brad [Binder] rode a very intelligent race. He tried to pull away from the group in the early stages and break free, following our strategy perfectly. He managed to make it just two riders at the front, and this was very positive. He managed to handle the pressure on the closing laps, made the right decision to follow Bastianini and rode very well on the last lap without taking too many risks, putting in an excellent lap for the win.
It hasn’t been an easy weekend for Bo [Bendsneyder]. I have said many times, he is improving a lot but still has to work hard to continue to grow as a rider. This track was not the easiest for him, but this will also serve as a learning experience.”

41 BRAD BINDER:

“Today was a great day. I suffered a bit during the first three laps, engaging in an intense battle with Enea [Bastianini]. But I was able to put myself into first and lead the race, until five laps before the end when I decided to drop back into second and see what Bastianini could do, with our pursuers two seconds behind. I tried to manage the gap to those fighting for third place and on the last lap I made my move; everything worked perfectly. I’m really happy with this fifth victory of the year. I cannot be more grateful to the team. I am very happy every weekend, the team are splendid and help me at all times and the bike is working exceptionally well. I really could not ask for more.”

64 BO BENDSNEYDER

“Although this is the first time I have not finished a race this season, first of all I want to apologise to the team. I don’t think I made a very serious mistake but I went onto the bumpy part of the track, braked hard and lost grip with the front wheel. It’s been a tough weekend after the great race at Silverstone, but this has put our feet back on the ground and we have to keep working hard to get back into the points. Now we have to train hard and get stronger for Aragon.”

Bendsneyder, Moto3, San Marino MotoGP 2016

race results:

misano-race

source: motogp.com, ajo.fi

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