It was slightly milder weather that welcomed the CIP–Green Power drivers for the Valencia Grand Prix, the second meeting on the calendar on the Ricardo Tormo circuit.
With the 18th fastest time in the combined standings of the first three free practice sessions, Darryn Binder had to go through Q1, but the South African was able to do well to earn his ticket for Q2. Author of an exceptional qualification in Q2 by setting the new track record with a lap of 1'38.286, Darryn Binder took the first pole position of his career in Moto3.
After an excellent start, the KTM rider fought for a long time in the group for the podium before gradually losing ground to finish in fifth position.
The CIP–Green Power team is now heading to Portugal for the final stopover on the calendar on the Algarve circuit.
Darryn Binder (5th) : « What a weekend! A somewhat difficult Friday, and a Saturday morning with mixed conditions. I had to go through Q1 on a tricky track. I managed to reach Q2 and take pole position, my first pole! I was super happy. I felt really confident going into the race. I thought I was going to have the opportunity to fight for the podium, but I was missing a little something. I gave the best of myself. A fifth place is the best result I could achieve. I'll have to try again in Portimão, continue the work and see what happens. »
Alain Bronec (Team Owner) : “After a tricky qualifying session on a slightly damp track and some rain, Darryn set an excellent time, setting a new circuit record. In the race, he got off to a good start and everything went well. But we could see that when accelerating at the last corner, he was losing ground on the group. Despite everything, it was a very good weekend and we finished fifth. After a pole position, we were hoping for a podium, this fifth place once again shows the value of Darryn's work this year. »
Results of the Valencian Community Moto3 Grand Prix in Valencia:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
