Moto2: Binder makes history for South Africa in dramatic Moto2 encounter

Brad Binder claimed the first South African intermediate class win since 1980 at the Sachsenring after a stunning ride through the field, with Joan Mir 2nd Luca Marini clinching his first Grand Prix podium in third, as all three continue to grow in stature within the Moto2 class.

With tyres playing a crucial part in the opening quarter of the race, it was no surprise to see some of the leading riders have moments. Miguel Oliviera’s rear tyre lost adhesion on the exit of the final corner, leading to a collision with Xavi Vierge, luckily both remaining in the race. Then, it was Mattia Pasini who lost the rear, crashing out and taking series leader Francesco Bagnaia across the gravel. Bagnaia rejoined but Pasini was out yet again. Lorenzo Baldassarri also crashed out, this time at turn two, making it a second consecutive DNF for the Italian.

Marini led for several laps but Joan Mir and Brad Binder were soon on his case and hounded the Italian before making their moves. Whilst Brad tried to pull clear, there never looked a convincing enough gap until the closing stages of the race. In real terms, the front three were incredibly close and, had their been another lap or two, the result may have been different.

Miguel Oliveira had recovered and finished 4th, making it two Red Bull KTMs inside the top four, whilst Sam Lowes made it three KTMs inside the top five, as he took his best finish of the year and his third consecutive top ten finish on the bounce.

With Bagnaia recovering to 12th place, the lead between himself and Oliveira is down to just seven points now, whilst the gap back to third from the lead is a sizeable 35. Joan Mir’s podium elevates him to 4th with 95 points, whilst Lorenzo Baldassarri stays on 93 points in 5th.