It’s challenging conditions that the LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP Moto2 team faces at the Indonesian Grand Prix on Lombok. Almost unbearable heat, a new tarmac and ongoing setup work mean a grid position of 20 for Darryn Binder.

For 25-year-old Darryn, who knows the layout of the Mandalika Street Circuit from his time in MotoGP, this year nevertheless faced the same challenges as his rivals after the 4.3km circuit’s tarmac was completely resurfaced in early 2023.

With each session, the South African made successive improvements, but these were not enough for a direct entry into Q2, nor for advancement after Q1. Nevertheless, Darryn will start the 22-lap race, which starts on Sunday at 07:15 (CEST), with a lot of self-confidence from row seven, hoping to be able to fight his way into the points.

Darryn Binder

“It’s been a little bit difficult weekend so far. I mean because of the new asphalt last year, the lap times are much faster this time. I feel like I’m playing catch-up all weekend long even though I’m getting faster and faster, but I just haven’t made that breakthrough. I felt pretty confident going into Q1 but unfortunately in my last run I missed up two of them in which I felt I could have really improved on. So, this is why I’m disappointed because I’m not confident enough with my package right now to let it roll as well as like I keep making small mistakes. Anyway, we’ll work things out for tomorrow and I’ve started from even worse positions in my life before. So, nothing is lost as I’ll do my best and we’ll see what we can do then.”