South African domkop Darryn Binder successfully ruined an entire season’s worth of racing by prematurely ending the championship battle between the top two protagonists.
Unbeknown at the time the Moto3 race would prove to be the only half-decent event at the Algarve with the subsequent MotoGP and Moto2 races being so dull that even the eyelids of seasoned WSBK stalwarts were feeling gravity’s pull.
The championship scene was set as one-time runaway leader Pedro Acosta was attempting to see off a late and inspired championship charge by the Leopard rider Dennis Foggia. Realistically Foggia needed to beat Acosta to put serious pressure on him and his punchable face.
Sadly though Darryn Binder, who currently has two braincells both competing for third place, was about to wreck everyone’s enjoyment as the thrilling Moto3 battle went down to the wire. With two laps remaining Binder, with a certain degree of forehead slope, went for a trademark ‘divebomb’ pass on Sergio Garcia and ended up piling into the unsuspecting Dennis Foggia.
Thanks to t-boning Foggia at almost 90 degrees Binder was easily able to stay on his bike unlike poor Dennis who sent flying off towards Praia do Vale da Lama collecting beach-buddy Sergio Garcia for their trip to the coast. Although the South African was able to finish the race he was disqualified afterwards for the clash and reprimanded about his haircut.
After the race Darryn attempted to enter the Leopard pit garage to apologise but the heavies told him to go ‘sling his biltong’ and denied him access to the fuming team.
The incident was enough to rattle the beard of race winner Francesco Bagnaia. The Italian said in his post-race conference that Dorna should introduce a ‘super licence’ to stop rubbish riders entering MotoGP – but didn’t go as far as to mention Bradley Smith by name. Bagnaia did suggest, however, that given his current form he’d probably qualify for at least two super licences.
With several other riders including Valentino Rossi and Joan Mir also calling for Darryn’s head there was at least one MotoGP rider who backed Binder Jnr’s case. Sadly that rider was Jack Miller – with most experts agreeing that Miller’s backing only strengthens the argument for tougher penalties for the South African.