WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team Heads to South America with Confidence

29-03-2022

WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team Heads to South America with Confidence

Darryn Binder and Andrea Dovizioso are eager to return to Argentina this weekend for round three of the MotoGP World Championship.

Two events down and 19 to go; the newly-formed WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team is impatiently waiting for the start of the third MotoGP World Championship weekend, which brings the entire paddock over to the other side of the globe with back-to-back action in Termas de Rio Hondo, Argentina followed by Austin, Texas.

Thereby, WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team’s Darryn Binder is especially stoked up after his outstanding performance in rainy Indonesia just nine days ago. The MotoGP newcomer managed the wet surface in Mandalika incredibly, delivered amazing fights and eventually scored the best team result so far with a top 10, whereby he also took over the lead in the MotoGP rookies’ standings. Yet, the South African knows that he needs to start from scratch this weekend, re-learning the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit aboard his Yamaha YZR-M1, but trying to retain his lead.

Moreover, his teammate Andrea Dovizioso is keen to score well in Argentina. Due to an electronical breakdown, the experienced Italian was unable to reach the chequered flag in Lombok, Indonesia, although he was on his way to a decent result. Now, the 36-year-old, who celebrated his birthday last week, is ready to fight back while the MotoGP paddock returns to Argentina after two years of break due to the pandemic situation and a reconstructed garage building, which fell victim to a fire last year.

Both, Binder and Dovizioso will hit the track for the first time on Friday at 10:50 local time (15:50 CET) for Free Practice one, followed by FP2 in the afternoon at 15:05 local time (20:05 CET).

Darryn Binder

WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team

“I’m really excited to get to Argentina. We haven’t been in Termas de Rio Hondo for a couple of years now. The last time, we were there, I’ve got some good memories. So, I can’t wait, especially after finishing 10th in Indonesia left me really happy and motivated. I’m ready to arrive there, start at zero again, just keep chipping away and trying to improve and get faster. I’m just really keen to get another race underway!”

Andrea Dovizioso

WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team

“After the sad result in Indonesia, I really want to be back and do better. We had the ability to get out some good things in Indonesia, but eventually didn’t have the chance. The Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit is a pretty unique track, we didn’t go there for two years, so I’m curious how the conditions of the place will be. Nonetheless, we arrive there optimistic. I think it can be a good track for the Yamaha.”

Razlan Razali

WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team, Founder and Team Principal

“With Mandalika behind us with good results from Darryn in 10th and a disappointing race by Andrea due to electronical issues with his M1, we now look to reset and get ready for Argentina. We have not been there for the last two years and we are unsure of the conditions of the track and everything. For Darryn, it’s his first time on the YZR-M1 there, but also for Andrea after a long time. Therefore, it will be interesting. We are going to continue to work hard for our riders as a team. We will reset, work from zero and see how we can improve ourselves.”

Wilco Zeelenberg

WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team, Team Manager

“After the first two rounds, it’s very nice to see that both riders are on the list with points. This was the positive thing from Indonesia. Of course, the situation with Andrea’s bike was very disappointing. We need to take it in anyway and find out as a team how to avoid this kind of issues and go forward. After two years not being able to ride in Argentina, we are happy to come back, especially as the Covid situation seems to be more under control, although we still have to do a lot of stuff to fly out.” “I think the Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit is a very intermediate track, which means, each bike works quite well there, ours as well. So, it’s not a specific brand’s track, but more average, that every rider can enjoy a lot. If they can find a good match on setup I think you can be able to do well there. This is going to make the difference, so let’s hope for stable conditions. We are looking forward to come back to Argentina.”