Binder looking to finish Moto3 career off in ‘the best way possible’

Darryn Binder and John McPhee will take part in their penultimate Moto3 races with the Petronas Sprinta Racing Team this weekend. 

While Binder will become just the second rider in the last 11 years to jump straight from Moto3 to MotoGP - Jack Miller was the other, John McPhee will also be changing teams next year. 

The Scottish rider has been confirmed alongside former Petronas Sprinta team-mate Ayumi Sasaki at the Max Biaggi-led Sterilgarda team. 

But before both riders move on from the Petronas project which is leaving MotoGP and its lower classes come the end of the season, Portimao hosts its second round of the season this weekend, a race Binder and McPhee will be hoping goes better than last April’s. 

Both men had to start from pit lane due to irresponsible riding in Binder’s case, while for McPhee it was a pit lane start and extra 10 seconds time penalty due to a scuffle with Jeremy Alcoba at the previous round at Qatar. 

Binder is without a podium since securing a third and second in the opening two races, however, the South African is committed to finishing the season ‘in the best way possible’. 

"I’m looking forward to getting back to Portimao, although it’s a very different time of year now, compared to April," said Binder. 

"The first time we were there at the beginning of the season I unfortunately had to start the race from pitlane and, to be honest, it was a race to forget. 

"I’m looking forward to going back and having a second go at it. There are only two races left in the season now and I’m just looking to do my absolute best in them, to finish the year in the best way possible."

While McPhee has also struggled to consistently challenge for podiums this year - has just one rostrum finish which came two rounds ago at COTA, the 27 year-old is positive of a good result due to feeling ‘really strong’ the first time around.  

McPhee said: "Portimao is a track that I really enjoy, although it is one of the most technical and difficult tracks of the season. 

"I think now that we’ve been there two times and I have a little bit more experience we should be able to do well.

"Last time we were there we had a slightly strange race, starting from pitlane, but I felt really strong and I was fast with the bike. 

"We have two races to go now in the season and I’m looking to finish them both as strong as possible and give my crew the results they deserve."