In Spielberg, Darryn Binder crashes in the chicane and is caught by Sam Lowes – Fracture of a vertebra is the second serious injury of the IntactGP rider in 2023
There was a dicey accident on the third lap of the Moto2 race at the Austrian Grand Prix. Darryn Binder was riding in 14th position after the start. Sam Lowes followed directly behind. Then Binder crashed in the chicane. Lowes was so close that he couldn’t get out of the way.
The Brit caught the South African in the back area. Fortunately, both were able to get up immediately. Binder was also able to leave the scene of the accident on his own. The rider from the German IntactGP team suffered a back injury in the accident.
A first CT scan showed a fracture of the transverse process of the third vertebral body. Further examinations must now reveal how long the recovery phase will take for the 25-year-old and how long he will have to take a break.
“Unfortunately, I made a small mistake in turn 2, which caused the front wheel to fold in,” Binder reported. “Unfortunately, the bike got grip again and spun me even further down the track when I was already on the ground.”
“Sam couldn’t get out of the way anymore. I’m sorry I ruined his race by crashing in front of him. I hurt my back, so we’ll have to have further tests to see what the doctors say.”
It had not been possible to see exactly what had happened in the TV picture. Only photos clarified how dicey the situation was and how lucky Binder was. “I had no chance to swerve,” Lowes described the accident from his point of view.
“Hopefully he’s okay because it was a bad accident. Racing is like that sometimes. I tried my best not to hit Darryn. Obviously at these speeds it’s very difficult.” Lowes was uninjured in the incident.
“This is now the second serious injury Darryn has had to put away this season,” sighed IntactGP team boss Jürgen Lingg. “Unfortunately he has injured a vertebra in his back, which is really bitter. It will certainly take time. Let’s hope he recovers quickly. “
Second serious injury this season
In mid-April, Binder suffered a fracture to his right metacarpal in a highsider during the third practice session for the US Grand Prix. Eventually two fractures were diagnosed, which were fixed with a plate and several screws during an operation.
It was not until Mugello that the South African was able to return to his bike. However, the right wrist continued to restrict him. “During the summer break I had to realise that it was not getting any better. I have to deal with it.”
“The hand is not weak, but with the plate it doesn’t feel comfortable,” “I can’t do anything until the metal is removed. “
“My plan is to have the surgery right after Valencia if possible. For now, I just have to deal with it.” And now, with the vertebrae injury, the next break is upon us. The coming days will show how long the recovery will take.
Binder’s future is also open. He himself would prefer to attack for IntactGP in Moto2 in 2024 as well. “Nothing is decided at the moment, but I hope I can stay. That’s my main goal,” emphasises the younger brother of KTM star Brad Binder.
“We started well together, but then unfortunately it went unfortunate. I really believe that we can get good results together. I am very happy here in the team and I don’t want to go anywhere else. Hopefully I will get this chance. Then I would be super happy!”
