KTM’s Brad Binder Reflects on Austrian MotoGP: A Step Forward Despite Falling Short of Ducati

Brad Binder’s assessment as KTM finishes 18.6 seconds behind, emerging as Ducati’s main competitor

Brad Binder's overview of KTM’s performance in the Austrian MotoGP

KTM's rider Brad Binder is confident that the team has made significant improvements to their MotoGP motorcycle following the Austrian Grand Prix.

Anticipation was strong for Binder as he entered KTM’s home event, given his second-place finishes in both the sprint and the grand prix earlier in 2023.

Despite their efforts, KTM failed to secure a podium finish at the Red Bull Ring last weekend. Their top performer, Brad Binder, ended up in fifth place, trailing race winner Francesco Bagnaia by 18.620 seconds after starting from 12th position on the grid.

"I couldn't be happier," he remarked after achieving his first top-five finish on a Sunday since the second round in Portugal.

"I believe I put forth my utmost effort throughout the entire time."

"I focused on avoiding any errors, aimed to maintain a steady pace, and pushed through to the finish while being careful not to overwork the tires."

"We succeeded in bringing it back home in good condition."

“Overall, finishing in the top five is positive. Naturally, I had higher expectations for our home race, but we’ve learned some valuable lessons this weekend. Let’s continue to improve from this point onwards.”

This week, KTM has scheduled a private testing session at Misano featuring Dani Pedrosa, aiming to fine-tune additional aspects in preparation for the upcoming Aragon Grand Prix.

While they didn't quite make it to the podium, KTM emerged as the leading non-Ducati team at the Red Bull Ring.

At one point, the team had both of its official riders within the top six positions, but Jack Miller had an accident at Turn 2. Meanwhile, wildcard entrant Pol Espargaro secured 11th place after advancing to Q2.

Looking back on the weekend, team leader Francesco Guidotti commented, "All in all, we need to focus on the positive aspects of the weekend."

"Brad performed exceptionally well. He executed flawlessly and got off to an excellent start from the fourth row, putting in maximum effort."

"We are familiar with his competitive spirit and he demonstrated his capabilities. We were pleased to see Jack return to a top position, even with a minor mishap."

"He delivered an exceptional performance in the qualifying session and secured the fifth position on the starting grid."

"He is still capable of achieving favorable outcomes for the team. Pol performed excellently, and his contributions this weekend were very beneficial for the team's progress. The results were also strong."

Transitioning from broadcasting to cycling at this level is challenging, but it also indicates that the bike's performance is promising.

"We are putting in a lot of effort, and I want to express my gratitude to all the fans who supported us at our home race, as well as to the company staff and management who came to encourage us both around the track and in the garage."

"Our goal is to achieve new outcomes and make a return."

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