Binder scores after rocket start in Indonesia, Tulovic 22nd in comeback race

It was an energy-sapping few days for the two riders of the LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 team as they fought for positions in tropical heat at the Indonesian Grand Prix. Darryn Binder leaves Lombok with another three world championship points thanks to his 13th position, while Lukas Tulovic finished the race in 22nd.

Having started the race in twentieth place, Darryn Binder catapulted to twelfth position within a few corners, from where the South African tried everything to catch up with the top 10. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old had to admit defeat to several opponents after heated duels. His 13th place in the 15th race of the season gave Binder three more points, which he wants to increase at the Australian Grand Prix next week by making better use of Friday to lay the foundations so that he can then attack more actively in qualifying.

For the recently injured Lukas Tulovic, the 22-laps were a real challenge as the German found himself in last position after the start, having to dodge two crashing riders and then thwart a highsider of his own. These unfortunate incidents made it exceedingly difficult for the 23-year-old to come back. The after-effects were still being felt in the race, but the Mandalika Circuit gave last year’s European champion a lot to look forward to. It is with equal anticipation that he now travels to Australia, where he will strive for further improvements from the 20th – 22nd of October and hoping to score points together with his teammate.

Lukas Tulovic
P22 (+42.548)
Moto2 World Championship 2023 – P23 – 12 Points

“Basically, the trip to Indonesia was worth for me. I had a lot of fun riding at this track, especially because of the great scenery here. Indonesia is a beautiful country in general. After the injury, however, it wasn’t so easy to get right back up to speed, which is where I left India. Nevertheless, we improved continuously over the days, but unfortunately not enough. The gap was too big with one second to the top. Unfortunately, the race started very unlucky because I had to avoid two crashing riders. But then I caught up strongly until I just managed to catch a high-sider in turn seven. This mishap cost me a lot of time. After that, the effects of the injury break became noticeable. Three weeks without a bike and not training optimally, the last two-thirds of the race were very exhausting. I could no longer ride the bike as relaxed as I actually could. So, I just tried to finish the race. Next week we continue in Australia, where I hope to be in better shape.”

Darryn Binder
P13 (+19.986)
Moto2 World Championship 2023 – P18 – 31 Points

“I’m happy with how the race went today because I think we had the smallest gap to the leaders over the full race distance this year. Also, it’s the first time this season that I’ve done three races in one year. Overall, I’m quite satisfied. I had a really good start and was able to make up some positions in the first laps, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the pace to fight with the group for a place in the top nine or ten, as I wasn’t really able to fight. Also, towards the end, the rear tyre was getting more and more stressed. So, it was a tough race, but overall, I’m happy with my performance today. In the future, I need to get things right from Friday to be stronger from the start, because being so far back after qualifying and going into the first corner from there is a bit risky. It makes so much work for me, especially in the first laps I had to push hard, and I feel like that definitely didn’t help the tire situation today. Overall Mandalika was a positive weekend and I’m looking forward to Phillip Island, where I’m really enjoying it.”