Red Bull KTM Ajo pleased with initial progress of new line-up

#MyHandsome #KarelHanika98 #BradBinder41 #MiguelOliveira44

#2015WithTheseBoys #GoingBeSickYears #MiguelOliveira44 #KarelHanika98 #BradBinder41

Manager Aki Ajo welcomes Three new riders – Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder – into his Moto3™ team alongside Karel Hanika for 2015 and the Finnish is pleased with the work they have undertaken before the winter test break.

After working with the new three rider line-up in tests at Jerez and Valencia over the past fortnight the Red Bull KTM Ajo boss believes the group are on the right track as they head into the winter break.

At the three day test in Jerez in the week after the season-concluding Grand Prix in Valencia the teams and riders were somewhat hindered by the wet weather, but this week at the second test in Valencia the conditions were far better.

Hanika, Oliveira and Binder were all able to ride with the new 2015 KTM for the first time, with important conclusions drawn to help further work – ahead of the next test next year.

As of now, the Red Bull KTM Ajo riders will not ride their bikes again until next February, when the preseason is reopened after the testing ban. Until then, the riders will enjoy two months of vacations and personal training.

Team manager Ajo commented, “It has been a very good period of testing, and very useful. Three days in Jerez – which was more like two due to the weather conditions – and then three days in Valencia. We have taken some important steps forward. It is very important to finish the season like this, because we have obtained a lot of data that will be vital for next season.”

“Karel Hanika has continued working hard and improving, showing his great potential. As for our new riders, Miguel and Brad, I think that they have made a really good start with the team. This has been six days of testing at very interesting circuits and a great first step for the 2015 project.”

Ajo Motorsport and Zarco together for new Moto2 project

Johann Zarco and Aki Ajo

Ajo Motorsport will participate in next season’s Moto2™ World Championship with French rider Johann Zarco.

The Finnish motorcycle racing structure, with the collaboration of Kalex and WP Suspension, will field Zarco as their rider in the intermediate class. The Frenchman thus returns to the team with which he competed for the 125cc title in 2011. Zarco will therefore contest his fourth season in Moto2 in 2015 with a Kalex.
 
 This year the Frenchman has taken three podiums at Barcelona, Misano and Aragon in addition to his two rostrum finishes last year. His results, continued progress and existing relationship with the team who have won three lower cylinder class titles (2008, 2010 and 2012) have led to the Ajo Motorsport Team opting for him for this new project.

Aki Ajo, Team Manager, commented. We are excited about this new adventure for Ajo Motorsport in Moto2, because it is something new for us and a great challenge. We have worked for many years in Moto3 and 125cc, and now it is time to take the step up to Moto2 a completely different category. We are very motivated about next year and I'm convinced that we can do a good job.

I am very grateful to be able to start next season with an excellent package, with the Kalex bike and with WP Suspension, whom I am proud to continue working alongside as we have done for many years. Sarting out with important partners will give us peace of mind when we begin this project. Likewise, having a rider like Johann [Zarco], who has already shown his potential in this close category, becoming one of the fastest riders on the grid, gives us calmness. I also have a lot of respect for his way of working, and that is why I am delighted that we are reunited with him again after fighting for the 125cc title in 2011. It is very nice to be back together and I am very excited about it.

Zarco added. I am very proud that Aki [Ajo] has entrusted me to join this new project in Moto2. We have already worked together in 2011, so it means he likes the way I work and I feel very comfortable in his team, with whom I got my best final position for a season in the 125cc World Championship. I know he is a great Team Manager and will have the best team, bike the Kalex and parts to fight for wins. We have to think about trying to win races and getting onto the podium, and later we will see how the World Championship situation unfolds. We have the potential to do this. I am very happy about this new challenge and hope to start testing in the winter with the same good pace I had in 2014, and be as well prepared as possible for Qatar.

Fenati, Binder and Kent reflect on what might have been

19 and 21 years old by Brad Binder and Danny Kent in 2014

Danny Kent and Brad Binder collision at Australia GP

Romano Fenati lowside at Australia GP

Brad Binder and Danny Kent collided on Sunday at Phillip Island on the penultimate lap with the podium in their sights, whilst Romani Fenati also saw his chances of a rostrum result slip away with a late crash.

The trio were all involved in a large frontrunning group of nine riders in a fantastic race in Australia and each of them looked like they had the pace to challenge for the podium with the likes of Jack Miller, Alex Marquez and Alex Rins.

Fenati went down on the penultimate lap coming out of the Southern Loop with Efren Vazquez in close proximity and the Italian was unable to finish the race. Fenati had been hunting for a seventh podium of 2014 but it was not to be and Vazquez was given a penalty point for his role in the crash.

SKY Racing Team VR46 rider Fenati commented, “I was having a good race and at turn 1 I was the one that had more guts to hold open the gas. Then Vazquez hit me from behind, but this is racing. Until that moment everyone was in the battle, the last rider in the group was sometimes going to the front in the first corner and sometimes the leader was dropping back. I was enjoying myself so much, there was a lot of overtaking. Jack did a great race, congratulations to him because he rode really well. If I had not crashed, I could have had my say.”

Binder (Ambrogio Racing) and Kent (Red Bull Husqvarna Ajo) crashed together just two corners later with Binder in particular having looked like he had the pace and strategy to fight even for the win. He remounted to take 15th and Kent ended up 20th

The South African had been running in second place shortly before the incident and he explained, “I don’t know what happened exactly, but someone crashed into me. We were almost at the end of the race and I was convinced that I would have tasted the podium champagne. I had already tried a sprint finish and I saw that I could do it, against everyone. It was a tough battle. You have to finish the job though, so this hurts. Let’s get back on track, and get ready for the next one. I’ll give it my all again in a few days at Sepang.”

Kent added, “We worked very well throughout the weekend and it was just a shame about the way it ended. In the incident, Jack [Miller] overtook me on the inside and, when I opened up slightly, I collided with Binder and crashed. It was frustrating because we were going very well and could have fought for another podium. Now we have to focus on Malaysia.”

Jack Miller and Álex Márquez analyse championship finale

19 and 18 years old by Jack Miller and Alex Marquez in 2014

Moto3™ World Championship leader Alex Marquez (Estrella Galicia 0,0) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Ajo) faced the media in the Tissot Australian Grand Prix press conference on Thursday.

With three races left this year Marquez has the momentum at the top of the standings having built up a 25-point lead at the last two Grands Prix. Former championship leader Miller has seen the pendulum swing in favour of his Spanish rival in recent weeks, but will attempt to strike back in front of the Australian fans this weekend.

Honda rider Marquez commented, “I am focused on winning the championship. We have a good package and three races to go. I will ride in the same way as I have done all through the year and try to treat them like normal races. We need to go race by race, try to win all of them and try to be competitive.”

On improving his level throughout the year he added, “We knew at the first race in Qatar that we had a competitive bike but we knew we could improve. At Mugello we got a new chassis and in recent races we have had improvements to the engine. In Moto3 races are so close as it’s so competitive, you just have to stay focused in every race.”

KTM equipped Miller acknowledged, “My home race couldn’t have come at a better time after two difficult weekends. We have been competitive at those last two rounds but it hasn't quite come together in the race. There are 75 points to be won and we need to try and close the gap.”

On his journey as a rider this year, which has seen him become a Grand Prix winner and has led to him securing a ride in MotoGP™ next year, Miller stated, “We seem to be getting lots of attention. I left Australia as a nobody in January and now people are recognizing me! We will try to put on a good show this weekend.”

On his rivalry with Marquez and the fierce battle at the front in the lightweight class Miller added, “You can’t throw rule books out of the window because you get in trouble. We just have to race as normal. It is not a case of gloves off.”

MotoGP champion Marc Marquez through the years

Marc Marquez is two title champion in MotoGP

With his second consecutive MotoGP World Championship firmly under his belt, the phenomenon that is Marc Marquez just keeps getting more and more impressive.

Double MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has an unquenchable thirst for more world titles with four already safely tucked away in his trophy cabinet at the age of 21.

Comparisons are already being drawn between Marquez and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi, who completed the rostrum places behind his Movistar Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo and Marquez in the Japanese MotoGP at Motegi.

Marquez, who won his first crown in the 125cc class in 2010 before triumphing in the Moto2 class in 2012, will embark on a quest for a third consecutive MotoGP title in 2015 and his fourth world title in a row and seems destined for a long reign at the pinnacle of the sport.
 

I'm happy… maybe I don't understand what I am doing because it is difficult to say or believe you already have two MotoGP world titles but of course I want more and more and more!” said the Repsol Honda rider.
 

For a rider it is never easy and we need to enjoy this moment and we will see next year; we will look forward to improving our level.
 

This year, I feel where we improved more is experience and of trying to manage situations, to ride the bike well. I had less mistakes, but still mistakes, and we can still improve. But we tried to manage every situation better and better and Honda did a great job and gave me a bike or chassis that is more for my riding style.
 

I was really focused on pre-season and I was happy and focused to try to manage the situation and with more experience everything was easier,  he added.
 

When you are riding a circuit, everything is not new and you already have a reference from last year. You already know the secrets to try and do a lap time but like we see from the second part of the season I am still learning and in some situations I still need to improve.
Marquez's preparations for 2014 suffered a major setback when he broke his leg in a dirt bike accident but he has batted away criticism from some quarters of his decision to train on a motocross machine.
 

It wasn't an easy start. I made a decision to train on the dirt track and people said I was stupid because I trained on the dirt track, but in the end if you want to improve, if you want to be faster, you need to train, you need to take a risk, he said.
 

But I was able to arrive in Qatar and really concentrate and win the first race and that gave me a lot of confidence. After that, I knew that I was stronger at some races and I tried to use that confidence and that small advantage because you never know in the future what might happen.

Jules Danilo with Ongetta-Rivacold for 2015

#95 Jules Danilo born 18 May 1995 in Paris, France

95 with hipster haircut fade by Jules Danilo

 Team Ongetta-Rivacold have reached an agreement with Frenchman Jules Danilo for him to ride with them in the 2015 Moto3™ World Championship.

Jules Danilo will be teammate to Niccolo Antonelli who has also been signed by the team. The riders will have the full support of HRC who will supply the team with their technical material for next season.

The team and Jules Danilo are both delighted to have reached an agreement and will begin working together in November, with tests taking place after the final race of 2014 at Valencia.

Jules Danilo commented, “Signing this contract is a relief for me and allows me to concentrate fully until the end of the current season to produce my best performances in the races. Next season, if I’m planning to stay Grand Prix for the following year, I think I will begin negotiations much earlier in the season.”

On getting the chance to ride a Honda in 2015, he added, “I think it’s an improvement. Today, Honda is the best bike on the grid. In one season, Honda has managed to catch up with KTM. I am very happy to be able to ride the bike next season. I’ll stay focused on the end of the current season but I am eager to know how my new bike reacts and whether it suits me.”

Miller and Marquez give their thoughts on Aragon clash

Jack Miller have incident crashed, Alex Marquez and Danny Kent riding to left sign

In a moment which defined Sunday’s race at the Gran Premio Movistar de Aragon Jack Miller crashed after contact with Alex Marquez – changing the course of the Moto3™ title battle.

After the crash Miller was forced to return to the pits to repair his bike and later crashed for a second time, finishing out of the points, whilst Marquez finished the race second behind winner Romano Fenati.

The result was highly significant in terms of the championship standings. Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Marquez now leads Miller by 11 points in the standings with four rounds remaining.

Sunday’s event were certainly dramatic in the wet-dry conditions in Spain, with Miller and Marquez summoned by Race Direction to discuss their coming together which occurred on the last corner of the fourth lap. Ultimately Race Direction decided the clash was merely a racing incident and no penalties were imposed on either rider.

Miller’s perspective was as follows: “In the crash, Marquez had tried to overtake me on the straight but did not have the pace to do so. On the entry to the corner I was on the dry line and went in normally. I knew Marquez would try to block off inside corner, but he did not cut the gas and made me fall off the bike. Sometimes these things happen it’s racing. I’m happy and I want to thank the whole team, because they were able to repair the bike after it was pretty damaged and I was able to get back on track for a few laps. Now we head to a circuit that I like and we’ll see what happens.”

Marquez stated, “Regarding what happened with Miller, I passed him on the inside, rode my line on the dry bit of track and felt contact halfway into the corner. I didn't know what had happened because I was focused on keeping to my line. I think that what happened was a racing incident.”

Red Bull KTM Ajo manager Aki Ajo added, “When you have half and half conditions it’s always really difficult. Jack started the race really well, but what can you say? If other riders make mistakes, whether it’s on purpose or not, this we can’t know. Jack was really on the dry line, the other rider was on the wet line inside and he picked up the bike. It’s a real shame that riders fighting for the championship are doing these kind of movements. But we will forget this day and look forward.”

Red Bull KTM Ajo sign Brad Binder for 2015

Aki Ajo and Brad Binder

41 with hipster haircut fade by Brad Binder

 Red Bull KTM Ajo are proud to announce the signing of South African Brad Binder as the team’s new rider for next season’s Moto3 World Championship.

Three-time World Championship winning team in the lower cylinder class  (125cc in 2008 and 2010, Moto3 in 2012) Red Bull KTM Ajo have reached an agreement with Binder for next year.

This past weekend at MotorLand Aragon, Team Manager Aki Ajo and the South African rider struck a deal for their collaboration in next season’s Moto3™ World Championship. This will be the fourth full year that Binder has competed in Grand Prix racing.

Binder, 19, made ​​the leap to World Championship via the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, where he raced for three seasons. Born in the town of Potchefstroom (South Africa) on August 11th, 1995, he has improved year-after-year and managed to take his first podium this season with second at the German Grand Prix. Already in 2014 he has more points to his name than in the entirety of 2013, with four races still remaining.

Team Manager Ajo said, “I am thrilled to start this journey together with Brad. I have seen that he is a rider who is highly motivated and eager to grow in the World Championship. One can see that Brad is a great person, calm and hard worker in a team, respecting all those who cooperate with him. He has great potential and I think that with the team, KTM, Red Bull and other large partners that support us, next year he can show this for the first time on the track.”

Binder commented, “Honestly, the feeling after joining Red Bull KTM Ajo is truly amazing. Since I started in Moto3 my goal has been to join a top team like this. Entering such an important structure as the KTM factory team, with partners like Red Bull and other large enterprises, is a unique opportunity. This will be a great chance for me and it's time to show what I can really do.”

“Being on this team, the target cannot be anything less than to fight to place as high up as possible. We have potential to do so, we have the perfect bike-team package to attempt it, and I am excited about the future.”

Hayden: ‘Racing is my life, my passion, not just my job’

Nicky Hayden born 30 July 1981 in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States

 

69 with hipster haircut fade by Nicky Hayden

After undergoing two operations on his right wrist in the space of just two months and missing four rounds of the MotoGP™ World Championship, DRIVE M7 Aspar rider Nicky Hayden finally returns to competitive action at Aragon this weekend.

 

 

 

 

Hayden is one of the most experienced and motivated riders in the paddock and for him, racing is life. The 'Kentucky Kid' is an icon of modern-day MotoGP, irrepressible in times of adversity and a man who does not know the meaning of the word 'NO.' He has needed every ounce of that courage and determination over the last few months as he has battled to overcome the worst injury of his career. Now, finally, the long wait is over.

What exactly did the operation that you underwent entail?

“In our wrists we have two rows of tiny bones. They have removed the upper row, which was damaged. It sounds crazy but when you see the results on the X-ray it makes sense.”

What was the main problem? Pain, lack of feeling, loss of strength?

“There were a few things. In the last two races before we decided to operate I knew something wasn't right, I couldn't ride properly. The pain was always there but you get used to that and learn to live with it. But then I started to get problems with the stability of the joint, because the bones had become displaced and weren't working together. When I made certain movements I could feel something wasn't moving correctly inside my wrist. I lost mobility and strength… there were several factors that led me to the decision to have surgery.”

Who's opinion convinced you to have the surgery?

“I was always very clear and my plan from the start was simple: to fix my wrist and return to action as quickly as possible. As for the operation itself, I asked various doctors and gathered some different opinions. Obviously they didn't all concur but I just tried to gather as much information as possible before going through with it, which included talking to other riders who had suffered similar injuries.
”
How long did you have to remain completely inactive for?

“The first ten days after the operation were strict rest, so I stayed in San Diego with my hand completely immobilised. After that they gave me a removable splint, which I was able to take off to shower and clean the wound.”

When did you start with your rehab and what did it consist of exactly?

“After around two weeks I started to slowly move my fingers and at that point we began the rehab. After a few days I started some light training, low intensity static training. At the same time I underwent all sorts of different therapies like laser treatment, magnetic therapy, ultrasounds, platelet-rich plasma injections… At the start it was rough, I'd undergone two operations in just over a month. I had surgery in June and then something much more serious in July. I'd been dealing with the injury for three months and inevitably your muscles deteriorate in this situation. Also the bones in my arm and hand were very stiff.”

At what point were you able to get back to full training?

“Well, I wouldn't say there was a specific point, it was more a case of building into it. At first I was on the stationary bike to maintain a level of fitness, then we introduced some work in the pool and after that I went back into the gym for general conditioning and some specific work on my upper body and legs. I combined the rehab programme with rest, some running and my normal routine. You could say it started with the rest that I needed after the operation, then the rehab and then the return to training combined with the rehab.”

What have the doctors said?

“I have to say the doctors urged my to start moving the hand quite quickly after the operation. Even so it was a delicate procedure that needed a lot of recovery time. The surgeon is very happy with the result and the progression since then.”

Have you been able to ride a motorcycle? How do you feel?

“I started to ride a bike again last week, a 125cc dirt-tracker on a flat track. The first time I rode it the feeling wasn't great, it was obvious I needed more time, but I've ridden again a couple of times this week and the feeling was much better. I was able to ride without thinking about my hand, which made me happy. Obviously it has been a worrying period and I have had to manage with this injury for a long time. There were certain moments when I doubted things.”

What has it been like for such a fighter as yourself to have to sit out four races at home?

“Going to Indianapolis as a spectator, watching the races on television... it has been tough but I haven't wasted an ounce of energy on anything but my recovery. I have worked extremely hard on making sure my recuperation was as fast and favourable as possible. Now it is time to come back and I couldn't be happier about that. Racing is my life, my passion, not just my job. I am very happy that I can put this injury behind me now and start thinking about seeing my team again and riding the bike. It won't be easy but I am ready to race again.”

What are you expecting from your return at Aragon?

“It will be hard for me to get back on the pace after such a long time away but I am ready to work hard and take on whatever challenge lies ahead. Unfortunately I don't have my MotoGP bike at home to train on it and see how I feel! The brakes, tyres... there is no way of reproducing the demands of riding a MotoGP bike away from the circuit so I am just looking forward to getting back on my Honda and seeing what happens. There is no point setting objectives, we just have to go to Aragon and work hard, then we'll see. It has been a tough period but the support of my family, team and fans has been fundamental in keeping me optimistic and determined to push on.”

Gresini Racing to run Honda machinery with Bastianini and Locatelli in 2015

#33 Enea Bastianini born 30 December 1997 in Rimini, Italy

#55 Andrea Locatelli born 16 October 1996 in Alzano Lombardo, Italy

Gresini Racing's commitment to support young Italian talents in the Moto3™ World Championship will continue in the 2015 season with Honda machinery and an all Italian line-up, of Enea Bastianini and Andrea Locatelli.

Given his debut this year by Gresini Racing, 16-year-old Bastianini has performed well, with three podium finishes claimed at Barcelona, Brno and Silverstone.

The results have attracted the interest of Honda, who will be Gresini Racing’s technical partner for the 2015 Moto3 campaign. The two-year contract with Bastianini represents a long-term strategy, with a possible transition to a higher category in 2016.

Alongside Bastianini there will be 17-year-old Locatelli. The rider from Bergamo, who grew up as part of the Honda Italia Racing Project and was the 2013 Moto3 Italian Champion, is currently racing his first season in the Moto3 World Championship aboard a Mahindra managed by Team Italia FMI.

Bastianini commented, “I am delighted to continue to race for Gresini Racing: already at the beginning of the year I became convinced to stay here for the future, because I found myself immediately at ease. I’m having fun and I can work well together my technicians and my mechanics: this is also a factor that makes the difference. In 2015 I will be aboard a Honda and to race for such an important manufacturer is undoubtedly exciting; moreover, the bike is already proving to be very competitive and there is every reason to think that it will be even faster next season.”

Locatelli added, “I’m very happy to continue my experience in the Moto3 World Championship with Gresini Racing. 2014 is representing for me an important year of apprenticeship and to be able to continue my path in one of the best teams in the class will surely help me to take a step forward. I will race with a Honda, a very competitive bike, so there is every requirement to do well and of course I will give my best in order to succeed.”

Team Manager Fausto Gresini added, “I’m pleased to have defined our young riders’ development project for next year and to continue in the Moto3 class, which we consider essential to breed future champions. Bastianini, a great revelation of this year and our great discovery, will be again with us. With Enea we decided to plan a long-term commitment, over two seasons. Depending on the results, we will choose in which category to participate in the 2016 season.”

He continued, “Andrea Locatelli is a rider we already know from the Italia Honda Racing Project trophy and whom I respect very much: we see in him a good potential to work on, so we decided to give him this important opportunity. Finally, we decided together with the riders to choose Honda as a technical partner for 2015. We are obviously confident and happy to be able to count on this great manufacturer for our young riders’ development project.”

Isaac Viñales to ride Husqvarna with Calvo Team in 2015

#32 Isaac Viñales Mares born 6 November 1993 in Llançà, Spain

Isaac Viñales and the Calvo Team have signed a new agreement to continue together next season in the Moto3™ World Championship. The Spanish rider will be equipped with a Husqvarna machine in 2015.

The target for the team and the rider will be to fight for the title from the first race. Viñales has made the podium twice so far this season, and he hopes to return to the rostrum in the last five Grands Prix of 2014.

The Calvo Team is finalising negotiations for its second rider for 2015 in the coming weeks.

Viñales commented, “I'm very happy to renew with Team Calvo. This year we have worked very well together and the objective for next season will be to fight for the title and try to win. I feel very comfortable with the team and that’s why I rejected offers from other top teams, because I know we have a good chance to reach our goals and fight to win every race.”

“We also have the support of the Husqvarna factory which is also very important. Now we have to finish up the year well in order to start the preseason in the best form possible.”

Rins joins Paginas Amarillas HP 40 for the next two seasons

Spanish rider Alex Rins will move up to the Moto2™ class in 2015 to ride with the Paginas Amarillas HP 40 team for the next two years.

Rins will follow in the footsteps of his 2013 Moto3™ rivals Maverick Viñales and Luis Salom, by moving up from the smaller category to join the team run by former World Champion Sito Pons.

Rins has a strong record including seven wins, 12 pole positions and a total of 20 podium finishes in Grand Prix racing and he finished in second place in Moto3 World Championship last season. He currently sits third in the Moto3 standings 29 points behind the leader Jack Miller.

Rins commented, “I think the Moto2 category will be well suited to me, in terms of my riding style as my physical attributes. It is a category which I am sure I will enjoy very much. I’ve had several offers to make the move up but I’ve always been clear that this was where I wanted to go. Having the opportunity to work with Sito and his technical team is a great base. They have a lot of experience, they won the championship last season and this year they are fighting for it again. Now I have to be focused on my work in Moto3 where I hope to catch up with the leader of the standings, so I can go up to Moto2 as a World Champion.”

Pons added, “I am very pleased with the addition of Alex Rins to the team for the next two seasons. I’ve followed his career since he was a kid. I’ve always admired his smooth riding style, his ability to ride fast in a natural way and his control of space and speed. Alex has shown he has a huge talent, I am excited to work with him and help him develop the many qualities he has, to help him become a candidate for the Moto2 World Championship.”

Ducati and Avintia Racing join forces

Deal with Antonio Martin and Luigi Dall'Igna on 2015

Avintia Racing will run Ducati machinery in MotoGP™ for the next two years, further to an agreement announced on Friday at Misano.

During a presentation at the Gran Premio TIM di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall'Igna explained that Avintia will run two Ducati Desmosedici GP14 bikes with Open class ECU software in 2015 and two GP15 machines in 2016 with the universal ECU software which will be introduced to the premier class.

Dall'Igna commented further, “We have a two year contract with Avintia and I think this contract is very important for us because it means that next year we will have bikes on the grid with Open software. This is really important because in my opinion this will be the future of MotoGP software. The target of Avintia and Ducati will be to try to win in the Open class.”

Antonio Martin, Avintia Racing CEO, explained that the team will start to run with Ducati machinery as soon as possible. He said, “In principle our agreement is for two years, 2015 and 2016. We will try to get Hector (Barbera) on the bike as soon as possible with the Open software, though we don’t know yet if that will be from Aragon or in the flyaway rounds. We will do a test and depending on how it goes we will run the bike at Aragon or in the first Asian race (Japan).”

Red Bull KTM Ajo to line up with Binder, Oliveira and Hanika in 2015

#41 Brad Binder born 11 August 1995 in Potchefstroom, South Africa

#44 Miguel Oliveira born 4 January 1995 in Almada, Portugal

#98 Karel Hanika born 14 April 1996 in Brno, Czech Republic

The Red Bull KTM team will next year on three riders beefed up again. Karel Hanika drives the second season, in addition to Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira.

The Red Bull KTM Ajo factory team will include next again three season (like 2012 and 2013) for that, including the two new additions Brad Binder (of the team Ambrogio Mahindra) and Miguel Oliveira (Mahindra racing) will be.

Thus, team owner Aki Ajo has fulfilled the order by KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer, should lure away the new driver fails other KTM team, but rather by the competing teams.

The 19-year old South African Brad Binder comes originally from the Red Bull Rookies Cup and now returns to the Red Bull KTM family.

The Portuguese Miguel Oliveira had a contract for the Moto3 season in the Red Bull KTM Ajo team for 2012, but then chose a FTR-Honda-season in the Estrella Galicia team of Alzamora.

Team Manager Aki Ajo will reduce its inventory of Moto3 Championship riders, however, because he will employ only three pilots, 2014, there are still five: Miller and Hanika at Red Bull KTM, Danny Kent and Niklas Ajo on Husqvarna, this Hafiq Azmi on KTM in the SIC-Ajo team.

With the team’s current Moto3 championship leader Jack Miller ready to move up from the lightweight class at the end of 2014, report that manager Aki Ajo wants to recruit Binder from Ambrogio Racing and Oliveira from Mahindra Racing to ride alongside Hanika next year.

Sissis replaced by Migno at Mahindra Racing

Arthur Sissis (AUS)

Andrea Migno (ITA)

Mahindra Racing has announced that it has contracted Andrea Migno for the rest of the 2014 Moto3™ season. The Italian will take the place of Australian Arthur Sissis.

Following Sunday’s Czech Grand Prix at Brno, Mahindra communicated Sissis’ departure from the Indian outfit within its post-race press release.

‘Mahindra Racing today announced that rising Italian star Andrea Migno will replace Sissis until the end of the season,’ the paragraph begins. Andrea Migno (18), a graduate of the VR46 Riders’ Academy, has earned his chance with strong performances in the FIM CEV Repsol championship.’

“I take the opportunity to say goodbye to Arthur Sissis, to thank him for his contribution, and to welcome Andrea Migno for Silverstone,” states Mahindra Racing CEO Mufaddal Choonia. “I am looking forward to more exciting racing.”

“It wasn’t a good race and not how I wanted to say goodbye to Mahindra,” commented Sissis, who ended the Brno race in 26th place. “Once again I was in among the slower riders, and it was impossible to get away.”

Sissis has been part of the World Championship full-time since 2012, having made his debut with a one-off appearance at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Migno will make only his third Grand Prix appearance at Silverstone next weekend, having previously raced in the Catalan and Czech Grands Prix of 2013.

Rins left to lament final lap error

Alex Rins lost what could have been an almost certain victory in the Moto3™ Czech Grand Prix on Sunday, unintentionally slowing at the end of the penultimate lap.

In a finish which proved to be the tightest ever between the top 16 riders, Rins was ahead as the final lap began, but mistakenly began celebrating one lap too early. The Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider pushed on through the final lap and would end the day ninth.

"I’m very disappointed about this big mistake," commented the championship runner-up of 2013. "I was thinking it was the last lap and when I crossed the finish line all of the riders passed me. I then just tried to push hard to finish further up. I am very sorry for my team because this weekend was very good, but I made this mistake."

In the meantime, team-mate Alex Marquez was fourth as a multiple-rider group made its way toward the finish line as one.

"On the last straight going up the hill, I tried to open the gas more than Miller," Marquez explained, having eventually edged out the Australian by one position. "I stayed behind him, tyre-to-tyre, but – and I don’t know why – (eventual winner) Masbou’s bike came up really quickly and passed Miller and I.

"I tried my best to re-pass Masbou on the final straight, but then I saw Bastianini and Kent past me really quickly; I don’t really understand how they did that! The most important thing is that we scored more points than Miller, which was important."

With seven events remaining, Marquez is now placed second in the championship standings and 23 points in arrears of championship leader Miller.