Pol Espargaro takes #ValenciaGP podium, Brad Binder comes home fifth

For the fifth time in 2020 MotoGP, the series negotiated back-to-back meetings with round fourteen of fifteen taking place at the flat, tight and curvy Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia. Red Bull KTM started the sunny but breezy 27-lap Grand Prix with three riders in the first ten positions on the grid: Pol Espargaro heading the trio on his KTM RC16 in 5th spot.

When the red light vanished on Sunday afternoon Espargaro immediately vied for the lead and then established a strong pace to hold 3rd behind Pole-setter Franco Morbidelli and Jack Miller. The Spaniard had to deal with pressure from Takaaki Nakagami but then had breathing room when the Japanese crashed entering the final corner. At the finish line Espargaro was just three seconds away from Morbidelli’s rear wheel. His 3rd position represents a repeat of his classification from the previous Sunday, his fifth podium of 2020 and KTM’s seventh top-three this year. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is now up to 3rd in the Teams championship and Espargaro himself is 7th and 16 points from 3rd in the Riders’ table.

Closely behind Espargaro Brad Binder forged a watchable race speed to cut through the pack and duel with Alex Rins. The South African was less than half a second away from the Spaniard by the checkered flag and his ride delivered the third top-five result of the campaign for the rookie. Binder’s performance was especially satisfying considering Valencia was the location of his very first laps with the RC16 at the end of 2019 and where he was several seconds adrift of the leading riders. Once again, the 25-year old was able to demonstrate his superb progression in his maiden season.

Chasing Binder, Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Miguel Oliveira ended a decent week in Spain with a 6th position to go with his 5th scored at the Gran Premio de Europa last weekend. The Portuguese has now posted four top-six results from the last five races and is 10th in the world championship standings.

Pol Espargaro:
“That was fantastic. I’m super-happy. We didn’t expect the podium this weekend. We felt that we deserved it but Nakagami was pushing me hard until he crashed. We were great from the beginning until the end and I was on the limit with the pace I could make. No mistakes. We’re again on the podium – the fifth of the season – unbelievable.”

Brad Binder:
“Today was a positive race for us. I didn’t get the best of starts but I managed to find good pace, pass a few guys and work my way towards the front. I gave my absolute best today and unfortunately it was not enough to get us into that podium fight. Overall, I’m happy with how we have made steps this weekend; from Friday through to the race. We have a lot of learning to do still but we’re looking forward to Portimao already. Thanks to the team and everyone for their hard work. We’ll push again next week.”