New Delhi, India: Among those creating a lasting impression was the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, with Brad Binder leading the charge in a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping race at the Buddh International Circuit.
While Binder secured a commendable 4th place finish, Jack Miller battled through a challenging day to secure valuable points with a 14th place finish.
The Buddh International Circuit left a positive mark on its debut as a MotoGP venue. The presentation, organization, and functionality of the circuit were highly commendable. The 58,000-strong crowd on Sunday added to the electric atmosphere, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for MotoGP in India.
MotoGP roared around the challenging 5km layout of the Buddh International Circuit under high temperatures. Fans gathered in large numbers in the principal grandstand and the public areas, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Unlike the previous day’s rainstorm that delayed the Saturday Sprint, race day saw no such weather challenges, though the climate remained intense and humid. The race distance was reduced to 21 laps.
When the red light went out, Binder and Miller were determined to replicate their impressive starts from Saturday. Binder, starting from 12th on the grid, made a strong start and navigated the tight Turn 1 with skill.
While he faced some contact, Binder regrouped and charged forward. In the final two laps, he engaged in a thrilling duel with Joan Mir to secure his second top-four result of the weekend.
Jack Miller, on the other hand, faced challenges with grip from the start. His efforts to recoup lost ground saw him running wide into Turn 1 and facing additional difficulties in the second lap. However, he persevered, gradually making his way into the points-scoring positions to finish 14th.
Brad Binder’s performance in India showcased his consistency and determination. Following his 4th place finish in the Saturday Sprint, Binder once again delivered a top-four ride in the feature race.
Reflecting on his race, Brad Binder said, “I gave absolutely everything I had today. It wasn’t quite the result we were hoping for but coming back from 12th to 4th was quite decent. Two 4th places mean it has been a solid Indian GP for us.
“We worked as hard as we could to maximize what we had for today. The bike felt good but I think we were just struggling a bit more than we anticipated to get out of the slower corners. It is clear what we need to improve for the future and hopefully for Japan.”
Jack Miller faced a more demanding race day as he searched for grip, pace, and feel on the KTM RC16. Despite starting from a challenging position, Miller demonstrated his fighting spirit.
Jack Miller reflected on his race, stating, “Not too high, not too low this weekend. I struggled today. I didn’t have the grip I needed from the get-go both front and rear. I couldn’t carry any corner speed at all.
“I had a bit of contact into Turn 1 as well, which wasn’t ideal and then tried to make up too many positions in one go on the second lap. It is a bit of a head-scratcher. Fingers-crossed we can work on what we found out this weekend and what we tried at the Misano test for Motegi.”
Red Bull KTM Team Manager, Francesco Guidotti, offered his perspective on the race, stating, “Another solid race for Brad. He had a good start but was hit in the first turn and lost a few positions. His pace was enough to fight for the top five. We couldn’t make the best of the technical package here so to come away with two 4th places means we have to be happy.
“Of course, we should be more in front but the result today was OK. Being on, or as close to, the podium is our seasonal target, and while you can always want better now-and-then we have to be happy with a 4th. Unfortunately for Jack, he could not repeat that good race from Saturday. He was complaining about grip and also had some mistakes under braking.
“We have a few days to check the data from today and to try to be faster. We go to Japan with confidence after the performances last year and some references.”
As the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team sets its sights on Japan, we eagerly await another thrilling installment in this season’s MotoGP saga.