Binder's fight for a top 8 result denied by a small mistake

Darryn Binder of the LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 team experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in his first ever Moto2 race in Portimao after he slid off the track in eighth place just a few laps before the end of the race. The South African didn't flinch for long, jumped back on the bike and made up ground again from P21 to P16!

The start to the Portimao Grand Prix went well for Darryn Binder, who started from the eleventh position, as the 25-year-old Moto2 rookie was already in a remarkable eighth place after just a few corners, where he was fighting in a strong group against riders such as Jeremy Alcoba and Jake Dixon. 

Then, on lap 15, a costly mistake. Trying to keep up with Jake Dixon, Binder slid into the gravel at turn 5 and despite heroically rejoining the race, the remaining laps were not enough to fight his way back into the points. His strong pace eventually saw him finish 16th, but the points finish was narrowly missed by the only LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 rider this weekend. 

The former MotoGP rider knows his strengths and the many opportunities ahead of him to make amends, starting with the Argentine Grand Prix, which will be contested at Termas de Rio Hondo in just one week's time.

Resullts
1. Pedro ACOSTA/ SPA/ KALEX 
2. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – (+1.358)
3. Tony ARBOLINO/ ITA/ KALEX – (+4.460)
16. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – (+40.233)

Standings
1. Pedro ACOSTA/ SPA/ - 25
2. Aron CANET/ SPA/ – 20
3. Tony ARBOLINO/ ITA/ – 16
16. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ – 0