Brad’s Red Bull KTM Factory Racing now on top of MotoGP™ standings

Krugersdorp’s Brad Binder bagged more points (eight) while teammate Miguel Oliveira finished first in what was a good day on the race track for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the second MotoGP™ race of the season in Indonesia.

After two races in the 2022 season Brad is now just two points from the top of the MotoGP Championship table and Miguel has lifted to fourth. For the first time in their six-year tenure in the category KTM is the top manufacturer in the series, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing tops the Teams standings.

According to the official KTM Factory Racing team newsletter, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at the new Mandalika circuit was wet and steamy but entirely memorable for a dominant performance by Miguel who sailed to his first victory of the season and the fourth MotoGP win of his career.

MotoGP rounded the flat, fast, hot and soaking-wet Pertamina Mandalika Circuit for 20 laps and the first Grand Prix on Indonesian soil in a quarter of a century. The teams and riders familiarised themselves with the brand-new facility during a brief pre-season test but had to cope with harsh temperatures and low-grip asphalt that was unpredictable in terms of the size and cleanliness of the main racing line. The MotoGP sprint was delayed by over an hour after a torrential rain shower flooded the venue.

KTM started from the second and third rows of the grid thanks to Brad and Miguel’s efforts through a positive Q2 on Saturday. Miguel rocketed from seventh to the lead and diced with Jack Miller as the pair edged a slight distance over the rest of the pack.

Sections varied in terms of dryness as the heat helped to clear some of the course, and riders could not drop their guard. Miguel embraced the challenge and forged a five-second lead by the mid-race stage which he managed all the way to the checkered flag.

Launching from fourth, Brad suffered a technical problem before he could establish his race pace and then ploughed a course through the water to win a thrilling battle for eighth.

MotoGP now jets from one corner of the globe to another. Round three will take place at Termas de Rio Hondo for the first visit to Argentina in three years. The grid will form up once more on Sunday April 3.

Brad said, “I’m disappointed because I had a good feeling all weekend and especially with rain tyres. Despite the rain, the grip from the track was insane in some places. Unfortunately, I did the whole race with the ride height device down and to finish eighth is like a win.

If it had been a dry race then I don’t think I would have been able to do anything. So, we got unlucky and lucky with the circumstances. It was difficult to bring the bike home so I’m happy. Argentina is a track I really enjoy. It will be my first time there on the MotoGP track so let’s see.”