Darryn Binder secures second top ten result in a row in Japan

The Japanese Grand Prix was an up-and-down ride for the LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Team’s Moto2 squad, but the weekend ended on a positive note with Darryn Binder finishing tenth, and junior rider and substitute rider Senna Agius finishing 21st.

For Darryn Binder, the Japan Grand Prix marked only his second Grand Prix since returning from injury. He made his comeback last weekend in India with seventh place, his second best result of the season since sixth in Argentina. The South African made a good start to the 19-lap race from 18th position and found himself in a group fighting for seventh place. He had a couple of battles with Alonso Lopez and Van Den Goorbergh and in the end was able to enjoy a solid tenth place together with his team.

Darryn Binder was joined this weekend by Australian youngster Senna Agius, who had flown to Japan at short notice to replace the injured Lukas Tulovic a week before his next assault on the Moto2 European Championship title. Motegi was not an easy terrain for Senna, the start from 29th place did not make a catch-up in the race any easier. But the JuniorGP rider did do a good job, learned a lot and finally reached the chequered flag in 21st place.

In a fortnight Lukas Tulovic hopes to be back on the grid, at the latest when the Indonesian Grand Prix will be held on the Mandalika Street Circuit in Lombok from 13 to 15 October.

Darryn Binder
P10 – (+19.405)
Moto2 World Championship 2023 – P18 – 28 Points

“A pretty good race for me and I’m quite happy with the result. Starting from 18th isn’t the best but luckily I kept my pace throughout the whole race and could make some passes and reach the top ten. More mileage under my belt, and I’m starting to feel much more comfortable on the bike. Moving on to the next round I think I can push forward again and the most important thing is to work on my qualifying for a better grid position. It definitely makes the race a bit easier.”

Senna Agius
P21 – (+34.103)

“Today’s race is something to build on. I saw the chequered flag today with a semi-respectable rhythm. It’s been a mountain of a weekend! I was tense at the beginning of the race but loosened up over the laps, which was nice. A big thanks to the team for giving me this chance in Japan this weekend. I am absolutely not satisfied with the result…but I think it’s important to learn from this experience and attack the future in the best way possible.”