An excellent weekend for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team at the Octo British Grand Prix saw Bo Bendsneyder placing on the rostrum for the first time in third place, behind his victorious teammate Brad Binder who strengthened his title bid as the winner of an enthralling race.
The Moto3™ World Championship leader won out in a battle involving up to 14 riders, performing strongly in the final stages of the race, but Bendsneyder played his part too as the podium places were decided on the last corner.
It was a mature and accomplished rider from the Dutchman. Bendsneyder's podium boosted him by six places in the overall standings – he is now up to 13th with 52 points to his name in his rookie season.
Bendsneyder's success at Silverstone also makes him the first Dutchman to appear on the podium in Grand Prix racing since Wilco Zeelenberg and Loek Bodelier’s respective 250cc and 125cc podiums at Assen in 1994.
Bo Bendsneyder: “It was a great race. I fought hard at the end with the other riders and taking third place is incredible. I had some difficulties on the opening laps, but at the end I felt better with the tyres, had a good feeling with the bike and used that to push more. I want to thank the team and everybody who has been behind me for this podium; it was definitely a magnificent race.
“Throughout the weekend I felt fast and was up near the Top 10, and also before arriving at Silverstone Aki [Ajo] told me 'this is your race, you need to fight like a beast.' That is exactly what I did, so I also want to thank him for believing in me.”