Image: JUAN MABROMATA (AFP)
While Ducati man Marco Bezzecchi celebrated his first victory in MotoGP at the Argentine Grand Prix on Sunday, Brad Binder stood like a drowned poodle in the rain. The South African sensationally clinched victory on Saturday in the sprint race on his KTM from 15th place on the grid, in the Grand Prix the race was over for him after the first lap. After a fall, Binder was trailing behind the field. Team-mate Jack Miller did damage limitation for KTM and finished sixth to secure championship points.
“In the rain, a small touch is enough and anything can happen,” Binder was annoyed about the slip-up during the hectic start phase, in which he wanted to start catching up from 15th on the grid, just like in the sprint. Instead of another sensation, there was an involuntary test under racing conditions. “I used the remaining laps to study.”
The Argentine Grand Prix was also instructive for Miller, who was able to keep up with the front runners for a long time, but then lost sight of a place on the podium. “Maybe I overstrained the tires,” said the Australian, who is optimistic about the next race in Texas in two weeks. “We are on a good way.”
Marco Bezzecchi showed himself washed with all waters. The 24-year-old Italian also took the lead in the overall World Championship standings after his maiden MotoGP win. “It’s been a long journey and the moment has finally come,” said the protégé of motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi, who received the finishing touches at the VR46 Riders Academy in Tavullia. The fact that the race is not on asphalt but on gravel was certainly perfect preparation for Sunday’s wet race.
Source: Nachrichten
