The Moto3™ world championship in 2016 has seen Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) streak away at the front, with key rivals Jorge Navarro (Estrella Galicia 0,0) and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing Moto3) both suffering with some bad luck and tough races. With Romano Fenati sidelined and Navarro having suffered an incident in Silverstone that saw him DNF, the championship lead for Binder at the top of the table is now more than three race victories' worth of points. Another key move at the top of the points standings in England saw Francesco Bagnaia (Pull&Bear Aspar Mahindra) take a P2 from pole to move ahead of compatriot Enea Bastianini into P3. The 'Beast', however, took his first Moto3™victory at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli one year ago, and will be looking to push himself back up the order to do it again.
Binder has had an incredible run in 2016. Consistent at the start of the year until he hit another gear with his stunning win from the back in Jerez at the Spanish GP, Binder has since kept himself at the front or on the top step as his rivals have faltered or fallen. Misano has seen the South African get some good points hauls even before his arrival to the top of the table, and the stage is set for the class leader to make a decision: defend, or attack. With a cushion big enough to afford to do either, all eyes will be on Binder as the pressure starts to ramp up in the final third of the season.
Jorge Navarro's luck was once again tough at Silverstone. After breaking his leg following his first win at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the title contender has had a tough run despite having showed some incredible pace and judgment. With time running out, the Spaniard will be hoping to bounce back quickly and haul in some points. The GP winner has only had one race at Misano in the world championship after sitting the event out through injury in 2015, but Navarro did score points in his debut at the Riviera di Rimini track in 2014.
The Italian duel for P3 in the title saw Bagnaia overtake Bastianini at Silverstone, with absent compatriot Fenati now beginning to fall down the order. Bagnaia, after a first win in Assen, then took his first pole in the UK and followed it up with a skillful P2 finish behind Binder - his confidence will be high and his future is already secure as he prepares to step up to Moto2™. Bastianini has had a more difficult season so far in 2016 than his 2015 exploits, but the 'Beast' comes into his second home race of the year at Misano with the best memories of anyone on the grid; taking an incredible win last season in a classic Moto3™ fight at the front. Bastianini will also be looking to stamp some authority on rookie teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio as the new kid on the Gresini Racing Moto3 block continues to impress.
Moto3™ lead the charge on Friday 9th September as they head out for FP1 at 9am local time (GMT+1). 86 points, 6 races and one of the most exciting race weekends of the year on the horizon - will Binder attack, or defend?