First MotoGP win for KTM and rookie Brad Binder

Rookie sensation Brad Binder won his first MotoGP race, leading the way at Czech Republic’s Brno Circuit to become the first South African rider, and the first KTM rider, to win a premier class race.

Many riders and manufacturers struggled with the grip issues on the notoriously bumpy circuit, all things pointed to an even more historic KTM 1-2 before Pol Espargaro crashed out of the race. The crash occurred after a coming together with Sponsorama Ducati rider – and surprise pole man – Johann Zarco.

It was Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Franco Morbidelli who led off the line with the blistering pace he’d shown all weekend to lead by over a second at the end of just the first lap, but he and early second-place sitter teammate Fabio Quartararo suffered grip issues and faded. Morbidelli held on for his maiden premier-class podium ahead of Zarco, who despite being slapped with a long-lap penalty, hung on for a well-deserved podium.

Championship leader Quartararo faded in the latter stages to finish seventh, though luckily for him, still ahead of his main title rivals to extend his championship lead.

Alex Rins rode a brave race to finish fourth despite still carrying an injury, ahead of Monster Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi and Tech3 KTM’s Miguel Oliveira. Taka Nakagami (LCR Idemitsu Honda) was again the best-placed Honda in eighth, ahead of Aussie Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Gresini).

Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso is doing little to take advantage of Marc Marquez’s absence, he finished 11th for five points, while Maverick Vinales picked up two points when he crossed the line in 14th.

Quartararo still leads on 59 ahead of Vinales (42), Morbidelli (31), Dovizioso (31). Binder and Zarco’s strong Brno showing moves the pair into fifth and sixth on an equal 28 points, ahead of Rossi (27), Nakagami (27) and Jack Miller (20).

Moto2 star Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Kalex) made it two consecutive wins in Brno after he led from start to finish in a rather processional affair ahead of Sam Lowes (Marc VDS Kalex) and American Joe Roberts (American Racing Kalex). After crashing in qualifying, Aussie Remy Garder fought through to 13th from 21st on the grid. Bastianini now leads with 73 points from Sky Racing VR46 rider Luca Marini (58) while early points Tetsuya Nagashima ( Red Bull KTM) drops back to third on 55 points.

Nineteen-year-old Dennis Foggia (Leopard Honda) broke through to score his first-ever grand prix win in the Moto3 category, ahead of Albert Arenas (Gaviota Aspar KTM) and Honda Team Asia rider Ai Ogura. Arena’s result was good enough to extend his lead to 18 points over Ogura’s 52, while Scottish rider John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Honda) sits third overall in the points chase on 51.