Krugersdorper wins first Moto2 race
"I tried not to do anything crazy at the start, because I knew our rivals would be a little faster than us."
Brad Binder, a born and bred Krugersdorper, did his team, town and country extremely proud by winning his first Moto2 race at the Moto2 World Championship, on Sunday, 15 July.
His great performance was applauded by Red Bull KTM Ajo, the team for which he rides. His performance at the German Grand Prix saw him end the first half of the season with a victory.
Photo: Brad Binder 41.com.
“I tried not to do anything crazy at the start, because I knew our rivals would be a little faster than us, and everything went perfectly,” said Brad.
This excellent result, along with fourth place for teammate Miguel Oliveira, allows the Red Bull KTM Ajo team to go into the summer break with 24 points in the team standings.
Photo: Brad Binder 41.com.
Brad, who started from 10th on the grid, moved his way up the order and took the lead with a series of passes on Lap 10.
“I was able to overtake most of the riders on the first laps and then, seeing that I had enough pace, I went after the lead.”
From that moment on, despite not establishing a large gap, he rode steadily to claim the win.
Photo: MotoGP.
“At the end of the race, I had to be careful, because my rear tyre was practically worn out and I suffered a lot on the final laps. I controlled the lead but it was very tough, as even on the last lap I almost had a high side at Turn 1. It was amazing to get the victory, and I can’t thank my team enough for their help. Honestly, I still can’t believe it – it doesn’t seem real to me.”
It’s the first victory for a South African in the intermediate class since Kork Ballington in 1980 at another German track – Nurburgring.
Photo: Brad Binder 41.com.
Brad now lies sixth in the overall championship standings, with 91 points. A two-week break awaits for the Red Bull KTM Ajo riders, who will return to action at Brno in the Czech Republic, from 3 to 5 August.
“This year we’ve suffered a lot, but now we have a victory to our name. We couldn’t have finished the first half of the championship any better.”
For more information about Brad’s race, visit https://bradbinder41.com/2018/07/15/brad-binder-takes-first-moto2-victory-in-great-race-at-the-sachsenring/.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
