Brad Binder’s Candid KTM Critique: Unexpected Issues and Future Hopes Amidst MotoGP Struggles

Brad Binder candidly evaluated KTM’s performance, stating, “We encountered more problems than anticipated; it’s very prone to crashing.” He added, “If you manage to stay on the bike, you can achieve high speeds. However, it’s very easy to crash.”

Brad Binder has acknowledged that certain issues KTM faced this year were unexpected, but he remains confident that their difficulties will soon be resolved.

The company joined the 2024 MotoGP season with hopes of being the main competitor to the leading Ducatis. However, they have been surpassed by Aprilia.

Pedro Acosta from Tech3 has outperformed the factory team's top racer, Binder, yet even Acosta's exceptional performance has waned in the latest races.

"We had a strong start to the year, which was fantastic," Binder commented regarding his podium placement in the first race of the season at the Qatar MotoGP.

“However, following that, we encountered more challenges than anticipated.”

“Our season has been quite inconsistent. There were moments when it seemed very promising, but we encountered unforeseen challenges.”

"Compared to last year, this season has been more challenging for us. Previously, even during difficult weekends, we could still compete for a podium finish, whether in the sprint race or the main event. We were consistently in the mix."

“Currently, it appears that despite our struggles, breaking into the top five remains challenging for us.

"We've been carefully adjusting the front of our bike. It appears that if you manage to stay on the bike, you can achieve high speeds. However, it's also quite easy to lose control and crash because of the front. This is our main difficulty."

"We've gained a bit of leeway in certain aspects, but we've experienced setbacks in other areas."

"Currently, our optimal configuration for maximum speed provides minimal forewarning, making crashes more likely."

"Although the current situation isn't ideal, it's not as grim as it appears. A few minor adjustments could turn things around for us."

"We aim for success. Our goal is to lead. No one desires our current position."

"It's exasperating for me, my team, and the management. None of us are satisfied with our current situation."

"The bright side is that our stay will be brief, as it's a place no one wants to be."

"I’m looking forward to the future. We feel a strong passion within us."

Binder identifies Acosta’s primary talent.

Binder had unforeseen accidents at Le Mans and Catalunya.

Last season, Binder secured fourth place in the MotoGP championship, making him the top-ranking rider not on a Ducati, with five podium appearances.

After nine rounds this year, he is in seventh place, one spot behind Acosta.

Acosta has already proven himself sufficiently for KTM to secure him as Binder's factory partner for the next season, taking over from Jack Miller.

Binder commented on the talented Acosta, saying, "Right from the initial test in Valencia, we noticed his exceptional riding skills."

"He’s incredibly talented. He's been a great reference point for us, bringing in a fresh perspective without the baggage of last year's experiences."

"Despite facing current difficulties, he constantly pushes boundaries and performs exceptionally."

A notable skill he possesses is his ability to avoid applying excessive pressure on the front brake to halt the bike. He excels in maintaining control over the bike.

"This is an area where my team and I must enhance our skills! I'm constantly the person maneuvering on one wheel as I approach the turns!"

'A Ducati rider and an Aprilia rider'

Next season, the KTM team will welcome Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, who will be joining Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta.

Tech3's riders, Vinales and Bastianini, are set to get factory-level motorcycles along with identical support to that provided to Binder and Acosta. This lineup looks very strong on paper.

“What’s most fascinating to me, as a fellow racer, is that they’ve selected one competitor from Ducati and another from Aprilia,” Binder remarked.

"This provides us with a much better understanding of our bike's strengths and areas for improvement."

"Pedro and I are the only ones who have experience riding a KTM. Riders who have been with other manufacturers have a broader understanding of what to anticipate and clearer points of comparison."

Binder has a contract with KTM that extends until the end of 2026, making it one of the longest agreements for any rider in MotoGP.

Even though the current season hasn't matched the success of 2023, he is still dedicated.

He stated that his main objective is to stay with KTM and aim for a championship title.

“This marks my tenth year with the factory team. We have accomplished a lot together during this time.

"We need to reach the pinnacle. Competing for a championship in MotoGP is our objective. This is my ambition and what KTM aims to accomplish."

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