Brad lines up 18th on the #DohaGP grid

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Tech3 KTM Factory Racing were able to make technical gains with the set-up of the KTM RC16 to increase competitiveness for one-lap qualification speed compared to the season-opener the previous weekend. The awkward nature of the timetable for the Qatar ‘double’ sees half of the four Free Practice sessions taking place in hot, late afternoon temperatures and the other two outings in a cooler, more humid climate. Add frequent gusty winds and an abrasive track surface and perfecting set-up and tire choice can be complicated work.

Brad Binder:
“Not exactly the Saturday we had planned. I wanted to get through to Q2 but it was a difficult day with a lot of different elements: a lot of wind and a lot of dust on track. We tried a few things this morning that seemed quite positive in the high wind situation but when it came to pushing for a lap-time in calmer conditions them it seemed a bit more difficult. Tomorrow is our last chance to leave Qatar with a good feeling, so we’re going to go for it.”