Forced to return to the pool table because of an arm that required him to put his thumbs, the reigning Moto3 World Champion Brad Binder was forced to hand over. The South African will therefore not be at the Austin festivities planned for next weekend. However, his KTM will not remain an orphan. Ricard Cardus will occupy the position of Miguel Oliveira's teammate.
Moto2 gives consolation to the KTM factory which is suffering in Moto3 while its adventure in MotoGP is only just beginning. Even if the Austrian brand is just starting out in the intermediate category, its potential was evident from the start. In two Grands Prix, the Mattighofen chassis has already claimed a pole position and a podium.
A work that must be continued and to make the best progress, two drivers are needed. Brad Binder package, it is Ricard Cardus who will freelance. The former Tech3 rider has since become KTM's testing man. It is therefore logical that his registration form for the next Grand Prix of the Americas was sent.
« Ricard knows motorcycles. He will replace Brad and he is doing an excellent job as test pilot » commented Aki Ajo, the boss on the ground. But Beirer, KTM's sports boss, was even more specific about the 29-year-old Spaniard: “ he knows the bike and we know the ergonomics on the bike he needs. He is eager to get back into competition and I think he could be much better than other drivers who have a contract. He has his chance. We'll keep an eye on him ».
A nice encouragement but also a bit of pressure.
