More valuable points for Brad in US MotoGP
After adversity through qualification and starting from 17th place on the grid, Krugersdorp's Brad Binder managed to finish ninth in the US MotoGP.
Krugersdorp and the West Rand’s motorcycle racing sensation Brad Binder had to fight back to finish ninth in Round 3 of the MotoGP held in Texas this past weekend.
Although not a podium finish, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing bagged valuable championship points.
According to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s official newsletter, hot and breezy weather coated a decent crowd at the large Circuit of the Americas (COTA) race facility in Austin and as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing faced up to 20 long laps of the winding 5.5km course with 20 turns of varying speed, entry and technical demand.
Brad and his teammate Jack Miller accelerated from the sixth and fourth rows of the grid respectively.
Jack, as usual, was rapid away from the line thanks to the configuration of his #43 KTM RC16 and slotted into the chase for fifth position in the formative stages. Brad had to be even more proactive to win time and places during the opening circulations. Brad diligently moved up the order to invade the top 10 and then made sure of the ninth. Jack suffered from a rear grip in the final laps and the circumstances affected his lap-times. He eventually made the line in 13th.
After three rounds, Brad has accumulated 49 points to lie sixth in the Championship table. Jack has 22 and sits 10th. The team is fourth in the standings. Spain next. The Circuit de Jerez-Angel Nieto boasts almost 40 years of history as an atmospheric and staple part of the Grand Prix calendar. Round four comes to life from April 26 to 28.
“It was a tricky race for us even though I got the best launch of my life! I think that was the highlight. In turn one, I tried to rail the outside to gain as many positions as I could and with the mess between riders there I unfortunately broke my rear wing and front left wing. 20 laps around COTA with that missing wasn’t much fun. I could finally find a rhythm between that situation and my tyre and make some pace. A difficult weekend and one to forget although I think our GP here looks a lot worse than it was!” Brad said.
