KTM grandstand converted into orange volcano at Spielberg once more!
There were incredible scenes on race day, Sunday, at the Red Bull Ring, as Brad Binder gambled his way to a KTM home win. The South African slid to the limit over the last three laps on slicks to win in front of tens of thousands of fans. Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martín in second and third – as well as the entire world of motorsport – can only take their hats off!
Impressive sea of flags at #AustrianGP
Grandstands were decked in red and white as far as the eye could see, while there were yellow seas of flags in between for Valentino Rossi as well as the orange fortress of the KTM supporters, who cheered their favourites passionately at their home race from the central grandstand. While the MotoGP bikes lined up on the starting grid, the Flying Bulls pulled off a spectacular air display. The Red Bull Skydive Team performed another breathtaking choreography to take the Austrian flag over the complex while the national anthem sounded.
© Red Bull Content Pool
Spielberg salutes the great Valentino Rossi
Valentino Rossi took eighth place in his final race in Austria. After the race there was an emotional tribute for the great Italian to excite the fans. A Bell Cobra TAH-1F helicopter from the Flying Bulls made a surprise flight over the Grand Prix circuit with a self-made Rossi flag to salute the legend on two wheels. Spielberg saluted Valentino Rossi and said thank you for the countless unforgettable moments in eight race weekends since 2016.
© Red Bull Content Pool
All or nothing strategy seals win
Pole setter Jorge Martín had to give up the lead to Francesco Bagnaia a few turns after the start. The teams turned their glances nervously towards the heavens as the showdown at the Red Bull Ring developed into a flag-to-flag battle of nerves! While Marc Márquez and Francesco Bagnaia had a no-holds barred battle for the lead, Jack Miller and Alex Rins were the first to get their rain bikes out – with five laps to go! A lap later, all the leading riders came into the pits. All apart from Brad Binder, that was, who wagered everything on an all-or-nothing zero grip strategy for the rest of the race. He ensured for some incredible scenes and took a second win for Austrian racing team Red Bull KTM Factory Racing!
The views of the MotoGP riders:
Brad Binder (RSA/KTM): “It was really scary. When I saw the rain come, I had to consider how much I would lose if I didn’t change or stay on slicks. I thought to myself that as it’s KTM’s home race, you just have to do it and stay out there! In the first lap riding alone I was able to push still, but then all hell went loose with the tyres. I don’t know how often I thought ‘that’s going to be it now’! It’s sensational that it actually came off!”
Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati): “That was a tough one. The rain got so heavy with six laps to go and it was really difficult to come in. Brad did something incredible! It was almost impossible to ride on slicks. My pace was consistent and second place is super, but not enough. Perhaps I didn’t push enough at the start.”
Jorge Martín (ESP/Ducati): “The pace and the rhythm were good at the start. Then I went too wide and the race was pretty much over for me, as the tyres got too hot. I completely lost touch with the front and could only hope that the tyres wouldn’t give out. Then the rain come. I am extremely happy about third place. The whole team did a sensational job!”
Maximilian Kofler gives his all in home race
In Moto3, the only Austrian world championship starter Maximilian Kofler battled for points right until the end and just missed out on 16th place. Just before the finish line, Sergio Garcia (GASGAS) snatched the win away from KTM rider Deniz Öncü. The Moto2 race was dominated by Raul Fernandez for Red Bull KTM Ajo.
MotoGP tickets for 2022 ready for launch
Two weekends with motorsport at its finest and a fantastic fan experience are behind us in Spielberg. With the great atmosphere inspiring us, ticket sales for the Motorcycle Grand Prix of Austria 2022 are taking shape. One day after the race, on Monday 16 August, fans can get tickets for the next MotoGP festival in Styria from 19 to 21 August 2022 (subject to change)!
