Darryn Binder has had to retire early from the Grand Prix of the Americas after a crash, when the South African high-sided off his Kalex in the third practice in tricky conditions on the half-wet Austin track as he attempted to make it straight into Q2. Initial examinations revealed a fracture in the right metacarpal bone.

It is still unclear how long the Moto2 rookie will be out of action. An operation in Barcelona next week will provide information on how much time the regeneration will take. The ambitious rider has not lost his smile despite the bitter setback and hopes to be back on the grid as early as Jerez.

Darryn Binder

“It’s a really unfortunate way to end this GP. This morning we faced such tricky conditions but you have to get out there and push. I was getting myself up into Q2 directly but when I was putting a lap together that would have gotten me through. Sadly it got canceled due to a yellow flag. I tried to go for another one but I just asked for a bit much coming out of turn 1. I had a highsider and broke some metacarpal bone in my ring finger and there is a small fracture next to it as well. Right now, the plan is to fly back to Barcelona tomorrow and get it sorted out there. I need a couple of days for the swelling to go down before they can operate. Hopefully, they can do it by Tuesday. Once that’s done I will know more about when I will be back on the bike and how the recovery will go. Right now I am just rating to stay positive and hope to come back for Jerez or Le Mans at the latest.”