After missing three races through injury, the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2™ team welcome Brad Binder back to the fold this weekend. The South African rider injured his arm during a private test late last year, but suffered a recurrence of the problem during the Argentina GP – and was forced to undergo a third operation.
Although not 100% fit, Binder arrives in Mugello prepared and ready to get back to work. Eight weeks since his last appearance, the reigning Moto3™ World Champion hopes to resume his first season in the Moto2™ class with a good result after his ninth place in Argentina. His victory at Mugello last year in Moto3™ will provide an added morale boost ahead of his comeback.
Brad Binder: "Being able to compete again after my injury feels great, as it has been a very long few weeks watching the races from home. I’m happy, because after the third operation I think we have taken an important step forward and I feel that my arm is healing correctly; after the other surgeries I found rehab a little harder. It is clear that I am not yet at 100% physically, but I think I am ready to compete.
“Mugello is a circuit where I have always enjoyed riding. I got my first podium there in the Red Bull Rookies Cup and a victory in Moto3 last year. It's a track that has always been pretty good for me, but this weekend, on my return, I just want to test how my arm is and see where we are."