19/03/2023

Pre-season preparation completed for Tulovic & Binder

The LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 team put the 2023 Kalex through its paces again in Portimao ahead of the season opener at the same track in less than a week's time. Lukas Tulovic finished the three-day venture in twentieth place after a crash on Saturday, while Darryn Binder continued his Moto2 learning process, finishing two positions behind in P22 in the combined standings.

In less than ideal weather conditions, the LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 team riders set out with ambition at the Portimao circuit on Portugal's Algarve coast.

Lukas Tulovic had a bit more struggle at this last pre-season test than he did a few days ago in sunny Jerez de la Frontera. Together with his crew, the 22-year-old worked on a solid base for the opening race in a week's time. Unfortunately, a brutal highsider in the final session on Saturday overshadowed the German's progress when Tulovic flew off his Kalex on a fast lap in the final corner. Despite the pain in his right hand, work continued on Sunday. The test schedule was worked through without any major obstacles and, in the spirit of healing, the decision was made not to ride any long runs or race simulations.

Meanwhile, his South African teammate Darryn Binder was getting more and more familiar with his new machine and the cooperation with the team was also getting better and better, according to the 25-year-old. Despite a small slip-up on Sunday, the Moto2 rookie is happy about what he has learned and the upcoming challenge at the season opener. He has clearly set himself the goal of reducing his gap of 1.520s to the lead and competing in a direct duel.

The 2023 season kicks off on Friday 24 March before the first valuable Moto2 World Championship points are up for grabs on Sunday 26 March.

Results (combined) 
1. Pedro ACOSTA/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'41.907
 2. Fermin ALDEGUER/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO – 1'41.979 (+0.072) 
3. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – 1'42.091 (+0.184) 
20. Lukas TULOVIC/ GER/ KALEX – 1'43.186 (+1.279)
 22. Darryn BINDER/ RSA/ KALEX – 1'43.427 (+1.520)

Lukas Tulovic

P20 - 1'43.186 (+1.279)

"It's a shame that I crashed in the last corner of the last session on Saturday because I was on a good lap at the time. Unfortunately, I high-sided, which of course made the last day of testing a bit more difficult. Despite the pain in my hand, we still tested the things we had planned. However, I didn't do that many laps, not even a long run, because that wouldn't have helped the healing process. I'm happy that we managed to improve our lap times despite everything and now I'm going into the days off before the start of the season with a good feeling. I know that if we can find the next three to five-tenths, we will be in the fight for the Q2, the points, or even the top 10. That should be the ambition and the goal for the first race weekend, but now I will try to recover as well as possible from the crash to hopefully make further important steps forward next week."

Darryn Binder

P22 - 1'43.427 (+1.520)

"Today was the third and final day of testing and we managed to do a lot of laps today to make up for the previous two days. We also got a race simulation during the second session, so overall I felt like I made some really positive steps forward over the weekend. I'm getting a lot more comfortable and familiar with the bike and team and I'm ready to start the first race weekend, get it underway, and see where we stand because I feel like I learned a lot, enjoyed myself and even though I still have a lot to learn, I'm ready to get started."

Portimao Test

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