KTM rider Brad Binder had a topsy turvy weekend at the Dutch GP. Image: Red Bull Content Pool
WATCH: Brad Binder leaps from FIFTH to FIRST on opening lap at Assen GP
Watch SA’s Brad Binder execute a perfect launch off the line at the Dutch Grand Prix to lead the race into the first corner from fifth place.
KTM rider Brad Binder had a topsy turvy weekend at the Dutch GP. Image: Red Bull Content Pool
South African MotoGP rider Brad Binder lost out on two podium finishes at the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend.
The KTM factory rider left the Assen GP frustrated after being demoted to fourth place in the sprint race and GP for exceeding track limits.
ALSO READ: Brad Binder misses out on two podium finishes by millimeters at Assen GP
According to The Race, the infringements occurred at a section of the called Stekkenwal. Brad Binder narrowly skirted on the the green paint on the inside part of the curved outside kerb.
BRAD BINDER MAKES INCREDIBLE LAUNCH OFF THE LINE
Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi started on pole while Binder was fifth on the grid, Frenchman Johann Zarco eighth, Álex Márquez ninth and fellow Spaniard Martin 10th as six-time MotoGP champion Marc Márquez decided not to race after crashing into Enea Bastianini during qualifying.
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THE SOUTH AFRICAN FINISHED FOURTH AFTER BEING DEMOTED FOR EXCEEDING TRACK LIMITS
Binder kept in touch with Italian Bagnaia, however a mistake at the final chicane saw him lose momentum and he then slipped back to fourth on the final lap after a second track limits penalty with Bezzecchi second, Espargaró third and Martin following Binder home in fifth, according to Red Bull Content Pool.
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Reflecting on the race Brad Binder said: “To be honest, I can deal with this situation but I feel really sorry for my entire team. They did an incredible job all weekend and they gave me a bike that I could qualify really well. My start was insane and, somehow, we made the soft tire work until the end. We should have had two podiums.
“I don’t know what I was doing but I didn’t even realize I’d touched that area again. Sorry to the team and I will look at the positives of being strong all weekend and in Silverstone we’ll go again,” the South African rider said.
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Dutch GP result
1. Francesco Bagnaia ITA Ducati 40m 37.64s
2. Marco Bezzecchi ITA Ducati +1.223s
3. Aleix Espargaro SPA Aprilia +1.925s
4. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM +1.528s
5. Jorge Martin SPA Ducati +1.934s
2023 MotoGP World Championship rider standings
1. Francesco Bagnaia ITA Ducati 194 points
2. Jorge Martin SPA Ducati 159
3. Marco Bezzecchi ITA Ducati 158
4. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM 114
5. Johann Zarco FRA Ducati 109
