Red Bull KTM Factory Racing sought to send their MotoGP™ opposition into a spin through the ceaseless corners of the Sachsenring as Jack Miller and Krugersdorp’s Brad Binder aimed for podium presence at the Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland. Jack sealed 6th as Brad came away from the seventh round empty-handed after a fall from the third position.
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The KTM Factory Racing team revealed in its official newsletter that each day of the German Grand Prix had been affected by rain showers and a 3.6km racetrack that moved from wet to dry conditions. Sunday, the second fixture of three back-to-back races, produced warm, summer weather, and the German fans packed the stands and banking around the Sachsenring course.
Jack and Brad both made their customary strong starts from 3rd and 9th places on the grid respectively. The short Sachsenring layout meant a 30-lap distance and where tire preservation would be key to consistent pace. Jack had the hole shot but two slips in the first two laps put him on the edge of the group going for the top five. Brad fought his way to 3rd and had a 3.7-second margin to 2nd when he lost traction momentarily in turn 9, ran off the track and fell into the gravel. Jack persisted and reached the checkered flag in 6th.
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The championship standings still make for some positive reading for the factory crew: Brad is 5th in the table while Jack is 7th and 17 points from his teammate. KTM is the second-best constructor and the crew lies 4th from 11 in the team rankings.
Without lifting a finger from the brake, MotoGP™ makes the relatively short trip to the north of the Netherlands on June 25 where the TT Circuit Assen will welcome another vast attendance and bring the series to round eight before the summer break.
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“I had quite a good start and things were going well. My guys did a great job with the bike and I felt amazing. I was riding very clean and saving my tire. I could not run the pace of the first two guys but I was set in third. Unfortunately, when I grabbed the front brake at the bottom of the hill I locked the front wheel a little bit and my left foot slipped off the footpeg.
“I was then going wide and off the track. I kept the lean angle but when I came to pick it up, the rear let go of me and I ended up crashing. Disappointing because I know I could have at least fought for a podium and the team deserved it. Thanks to the guys for all their hard work. Let’s give it a go this Sunday.”
