Brad takes sixth place in the #CatalanGP Sprint Race

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a staple venue for MotoGP since 1992 and the track’s inauguration. The popular 4.6km course mixes 15 corners of varying speed demands as well as a long home straight permitting speeds close to 360kmph. Red Bull KTM have tasted MotoGP victory on Catalan soil and came to Spain optimistic of trophies after the increased competitiveness of previous Grands Prix.

Friday began positively with all four KTM RC16 riders in the top ten of Free Practice 1 and the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo of Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder fastest through the speed traps. A sunny afternoon Practice session allowed Brad to surge: #33 set a new lap record on his way to P1.

Saturday was hotter and busier at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and Brad eventually qualified 11th.

The Sprint saw Acosta, Binder and Bastianini grouped together after the first few laps as Acosta also persevered with diminishing rear grip. The trio swapped positions and circulated in close proximity. They remained wedged together until the checkered flag for three points-scores.

The grand prix will round the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for 24 laps at 14.00 CEST tomorrow.

Brad Binder
11th in qualification, 6th in the Sprint:

“We had a pretty eventful fight out there! I thought we would have a bit more pace to go with the leaders but all three of us were at the same speed and it made for a cool fight. We had a small issue in qualifying and I had to use my spare bike. Starting a bit further back than I would have liked didn’t help but we were able to do a decent job. Tomorrow will be a long race and we’ll have to conserve those tires. We’ll see.”