Binder starts Qatar Test strongest

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Brad Binder started the Qatar Test in fine form as he topped the timesheets on Day 1 with a 1:59.776, the only rider to dip below the two-minute bracket.

The extremely windy conditions at the Losail International Circuit on Friday caused difficulties for the Moto2™ field throughout the day. At the end of it though, Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) was second on the timesheets thanks to his second session time of 2:00.178, 0.402 from Binder’s P1 effort. Third quickest was Iker Lecuona (American Team KTM), his third session time of 2:00.201 meant we saw the same top three that ended the Jerez Test in the first three positions.

Jorge Navarro (+Ego Speed Up) sits fourth fastest after the opening day, the Spaniard 0.493 from Binder after setting his best time in session two, with compatriot Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) completing a top five covered by 0.653 after improving in the last session on Friday.

Just 0.015 behind Marquez is Tom Luthi (Dynavolt Intact GP), his 2:00.444 enough to put him sixth, while EG 0,0 Marc VDS’ Xavi Vierge ends Day 1 in seventh – both riders going quicker in the final session.

Eighth overall on Day 1 was Augusto Fernandez aboard his Flexbox Pons HP40 Kalex, his 2:00.638 enables him to finish 0.009 ahead of both Luca Marini (SKY Racing Team VR46) and Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) – both of whom set a 2:00.647 to complete the top ten.

The riders will be hoping conditions improve on Day 2 in Qatar as only two preseason days remain before the Qatar GP. Keep up with how all the riders get on with Live Timing on motogp.com. 

Top ten on Day 1: 

1. Brad Binder - (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – 1:59.776
2. Iker Lecuona - (American Racing KTM) - +0.402
3. Sam Lowes - (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) - +0.425
4. Jorge Navarro - (+Ego Speed Up) - +0.493
5. Alex Marquez - (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) - +0.653
6. Tom Lüthi - (Dynavolt Intact GP) - +0.668
7. Xavi Vierge - (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) - +0.815
8. Augusto Fernandez - (FlexBox HP 40) - +0.862
9. Luca Marini - (Sky Racing Team VR46) - +0.871
10. Marcel Schrötter - (Dynavolt Intact GP) - +0.871

Click here for the full results!