Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso has won an action-packed Austrian MotoGP at the Red Bull Ring at Spielberg. South Africa’s Brad Binder, for Red Bull KTM, finished fourth.
This one may feel sweeter than most! ?
A third Spielberg success for @AndreaDovizioso! ?#50DucatiWins | #AustrianGP ?? pic.twitter.com/B3wPwvuwzA
— MotoGP™? (@MotoGP) August 16, 2020
The race will be remembered for a major crash after ten laps, which brought proceedings to a temporary halt.
Maverick Vinalez, Jack Millar and world championship leader, Fabio Quartararo started the race in front. Binder lined up in 17th place and patiently made his way through the field.
But with 20 laps to go, Franco Morbidelli and Johann Zarco were involved in a huge crash. The two bikes narrowly missed nine-time world champion, Valentino Rossi’s head.
Morbidelli was safely removed from the scene on a stretcher.
The race was temporarily stopped for 20 minutes as the course was cleared and the riders used the opportunity to take a breather. But 20 minutes later, it was back to business.
With 12 laps to go, Binder’s team mate, Pol Espargaró crashed out of the race, moving the South African two places up to fifth. Two laps later, it was the turn of Suzuki’s Alex Rins and again Rins’ misfortune was Binder’s gain.
Binder then moved from fifth to fourth, but unfortunately for the South African, that’s where he stayed.
Italian Andrea Dovizioso took the chequered flag and gave Ducati its 50th premier class win.
“If @Rins42 didn’t crash, it would’ve been very difficult to beat him!” – @AndreaDovizioso ?️
The @ducaticorse rider expects stiff competition when we return next weekend! ?#50DucatiWins | #AustrianGP ?? pic.twitter.com/QxKbkVzg0K
— MotoGP™? (@MotoGP) August 16, 2020
Joan Mir in a Suzuki was second, followed by Ducati’s Jack Miller.
With the victory, Ducati also maintains its 100% winning record at the Red Bull Ring. Despite not finishing on the podium, Binder has now moved up to 4th in the championship.
50 wins for Ducati! ?
From 2003 to 2020, the Bologna Bullets have been winning for years! ?#AustrianGP ?? pic.twitter.com/ck2rJRLvVR
— MotoGP™? (@MotoGP) August 16, 2020
