29/10/2023

Binder scores in Buriram catch-up, Tulovic with late mistake

For Darryn Binder, the challenging Thailand Grand Prix brought a conciliatory end thanks to a strong recovery to 15th place. LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 rider Lukas Tulovic made a small mistake on the last lap dropping him out of the race while on P19.

Darryn Binder's mission to make up ground in the race after two busy days in Buriram and thus eradicate his 25th place on the grid was well-accomplished thanks to a strong start. Already on the first lap, the South African moved up six positions and fought his way into the points over the course of the 22-lap race. The 25-year-old finished this sweaty Thailand race in fifteenth place and consequently collected another World Championship point.

Lukas Tulovic also gradually worked his way forward from his 26th starting position and was in 19th place on the last lap. Unfortunately, a small mistake a few meters before the finish line in a duel with Alex Escrig caused the 23-year-old to slip, which ultimately resulted in him being classified last. Fortunately, the German was uninjured, so he will now do everything he can to clear his head for the 18th Moto2 race of the season, which will take place in Malaysia from the 10th - 12th of November.

Results

Race
1. Fermín ALDEGUER/ SPA/ BOSCOSCURO
2. Pedro ACOSTA/ SPA/ KALEX – (+3.481)
3. Somkiat CHANTRA/ THA/ KALEX – (+9.794)
15. Darryn BINDER / RSA / KALEX – (+33.565)
23. Lukas TULOVIC/ GER/ KALEX – (+1'27.793)

World Championship
1. Pedro ACOSTA / SPA / 300.5
2. Tony ARBOLINO / ITA / 237.5 (-63)
3. Jake DIXON/ GBR/ 172 (-128.5)
19. Darryn BINDER / RSA / 32 (-268.5)
24. Lukas TULOVIC / GER / 12 (-288.5)

Lukas Tulovic

P23 - (+1'27.793)
Moto2 World Championship 2023 - P24 - 12 Points

"It was very annoying that I crashed on the last lap. I wanted to defend this 19th place against Escrig, but I didn't know how far he was behind me. He had slowed me down there the lap before, so I didn't want him to pass me again. Unfortunately, I then lost it minimally over the bumps. I wish I could name even one thing that explains why we are struggling so much at the moment. Unfortunately, it is very complex, so I will try to clear my head in the short break before Malaysia. I will prepare well and then we will start with a different strategy in Malaysia."

Darryn Binder

P15 - (+33.565)
Moto2 World Championship 2023 - P19 - 32 Points

"I mean, it was a really difficult weekend. I went out today to gather information, learn as much as I could, and gain as many positions as I could. In the beginning, I felt like I got a good start and made up a lot of positions, but after the first quarter of the distance I was where I was for the rest of the race, and I really couldn't make more steps forward. But I always did my best and tried to understand as much as possible and pushed until the checkered flag. I'm really disappointed with my weekend here in Buriram, I feel like I had a tough weekend. But anyway, I did what I could, and I'll take everything for Malaysia and try again."

Jürgen Lingg

Team Manager

"From our grid positions, the one point for Darryn was still damage limitation. Honestly, if someone had said yesterday after qualifying that we would make it into the top 15 today, I would have agreed that it is okay. And that's how it was. But it's a shame because if we'd started a few rows further forward, we might even have been able to scratch the top 10. Lukas is not yet where he was this season before his injury. In the race, he fought until the end. Unfortunately, he made a mistake in the last corner, which cost him a better result. I think the break until Malaysia will do him good to return to his old strength. But it is what it is, and the fact is that we need to start stronger on Friday so that we are also stronger on Sunday. That's the point we need to work on more."

Thailand GP 2023 – Sunday Moto2

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