19/11/2023

Binder scores points after strong recovery, Tulovic crashes in Losail

The Qatar Grand Prix got off to a promising start for the LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 Team and developed positively, at least for Darryn Binder after a successful recovery up to 14th position, whereas Lukas Tulovic's race came to an early end on lap nine.

Starting the 18-lap Qatar Grand Prix from 20th on the grid, Darryn Binder immediately set off like a rocket and moved up six positions to P14 within just a few corners. In the meantime, the Moto2 rookie even moved up to twelfth place but was unable to defend it. Still marked by last week's crash and bruises in Malaysia, the South African finally finished a solid 14th place, scored two more points, and is now confidently looking forward to the big season finale in Valencia, Spain, in just one week's time.

Lukas Tulovic provided a justified glimmer of hope with a surprisingly strong fifth place in third practice and direct participation in Q2, but unfortunately, things turned out differently in the 19th race of the season. Nevertheless, Tulovic gave it his all and tried valiantly to make up the places he had lost at the start. However, it came to an abrupt end on lap nine after he slid off the front and thus leaves empty-handed in terms of points.
The likable 2022 European Moto2 champion has one more race to end an eventful year with a smile on his face when the curtain falls on the 2023 season in Valencia on Sunday, 26th of November.

Results

Race
1. Fermín ALDEGUER/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO
2. Manuel GONZALEZ/ SPA/ KALEX – (+2.643)
3. Aron CANET/ SPA/ KALEX – (+2.652)
14. Darryn BINDER / RSA / KALEX – (+16.306)
DNF Lukas TULOVIC/ GER/ KALEX

World Championship
1. Pedro ACOSTA / SPA / 328.5
2. Tony ARBOLINO / ITA / 249.5 (-79)
3. Jake DIXON/ GBR/ 194 (-134.5)
19. Darryn BINDER / RSA / 34 (-294.5)
24. Lukas TULOVIC / GER / 12 (-316.5)

Lukas Tulovic

DNF
Moto2 World Championship 2023 - P24 - 12 Points

"My weak point of the whole weekend was the braking phase. That was one of the reasons why I was a real target in the race and lost a lot of places. I tried to comb my way back but then realized that the front tyre was slowly wearing off. Unfortunately, I was a bit too wide and hit a bump on the curb, although I had already taken it before and nothing happened and simply lost the front in a fast corner when turning in. There was nothing I could do. That's annoying and I'm very sorry for my team."

Darryn Binder

P14 - (+16.306)
Moto2 World Championship 2023 - P19 - 34 Points

"I think I can be satisfied with today's race because I had a good start and tried to do my best to stay with the front group. But unfortunately, I wasn't able to stay with them. I also had physical problems in the middle of the race, which I was able to overcome towards the end of the race and find my pace again. I set my best lap time of the race on the last lap. Considering where I was a week ago, there are a lot of positives to take away. Overall, I'm quite happy with how the race went and I think the gap to first place was probably one of the closest I've had this season. The position wasn't fantastic but I scored some points so I think I can go to Valencia happy and in the meantime hopefully, I can recover a bit more in these couple of days off to be stronger next week."

Jürgen Lingg

Team Manager

"It was very pleasing that Lukas got straight into Q2 without any problems. That was a really strong performance and we were accordingly confident for the race because we also saw that he was able to set this time several times. Lukas was actually able to set a fast pace. However, he messed up the first two laps of the race, which is why he had to line up far back and never really got going. He also crashed at the end, which is pretty sad. There's nothing more to say, we'll try to do better in Valencia.
For Darryn, we were initially happy that he was able to ride again this weekend after the crash in Sepang. He surprised us in Q1 with a very strong time, but unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough for Q2, missing out by just a tenth. In the race, he shone with a good start and was able to hold his position well. I think Darryn can take a lot from today's race. The battle with Lowes, Ramirez, and even the new world champion Acosta in the first few laps taught him something. We were also very happy with his pace, which got stronger and stronger towards the end. At the finish, he was only 16 seconds behind the winner, which was by far his best race this year. Considering what he lost from his starting position on the first lap, it was a very acceptable performance. It's definitely better than the position suggests. Hopefully, he can build on that next week in Valencia.
In Moto3 we had to swallow a bitter pill today. To lose the title like that is devastating. I think everyone who watched the race on TV will have their own thoughts. For me personally, I have to say that I haven't digested the whole thing yet. Nevertheless, we have to pay Ayumu a big compliment, because he fought like a lion. Hats off, his performance today was really strong."

Qatar GP 2023 – Sunday Moto2

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