The Japanese Grand Prix has not presented an easy task so far for LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 rider Darryn Binder, who will tackle tomorrow’s 19-lap challenge from 18th position on the grid at Motegi.

After struggling in the practice sessions on the stop-and-go circuit at Mobility Resort Motegi, Darryn awakened unimagined powers in Qualifying 1, storming to the top spot with a time of 1’50.294 right at the start of the 15-minute session and ending up second fastest in preparation for his next outing. In the following Q2, however, the South African could not repeat his performance, was 0.8 seconds slower, and finally was forced to settle for 18th place on the grid.

Darryn Binder

P18 (Q2) – 1’51.178 (+1.280)
P2 (Q1) – 1’50.294 (+0.205)

“It’s been a bit of a difficult weekend so far. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a lap together in FP3 this morning, and also there were some yellow flags, etc., so I had to go into Q1. In Q1 I felt really good, put in a solid session and felt comfortable, so I made it into Q2. But Q2 was really strange. I went back to the pits and talked to the guys about what was going on because I didn’t feel so good anymore. I’m a bit disappointed about that, because after Q1 I thought I had the potential to be a bit further up the grid tomorrow. But overall, I made a good step in the right direction and I feel like I can have a good race tomorrow if I get a good start and slowly but surely move forward with more laps.”