Brad Binder is growing in MotoGP and had his best season to date in 2023, but can 2024 finally mean a (real) attack on the MotoGP title?
In 2020, in the year of his promotion to MotoGP, the South African gave KTM their first-ever victory in the premier category of motorcycle racing in Brno, Czech Republic – which you can recall here – and only in his third race of the season, but since then he has won “only” on three more occasions: in 2021 at the Red Bull Ring, in 2023 in the first Sprint race in Termas de Río Hondo, and later, also in the Sprint race in Jerez.
Not counting his victories over the past four years, #33 has 12 more podiums: three second places in 2022, and nine in 2023 divided between Sprints and long races, with the shorter races on Saturdays being a “specialty” (and preference) as he has said more than once.
Like Jorge Martín, who took full advantage of the Sprints to score many points, Binder will also have a decisive 2024 to try to finish in the top three of the championship again or even try for the title, as he does not have as much attention and pressure as other riders commanding the Ducati Desmosedici, which can “free” him, in part, from so much attention and allow him to focus more than ever on his goals.
KTM is taking big steps towards greater competitiveness and has Binder as its biggest breadwinner in terms of points, and also relies on Jack Miller’s experience to help evolve the RC16. Miller has many years of experience with the bike that has shone the most in the category, and little by little, he can help with its development, complementing the feedback given by Binder.
Another aspect that could be crucial in 2024 is the use of the carbon chassis, which has proven to be a true option in the Austrian manufacturer’s “arsenal.” They also have a true genius in their testing team, Dani Pedrosa, who, along with Pol Espargaró’s contribution, could be key elements in the growth of the bike.
We have to wait and see what can happen, but one thing is certain: Brad Binder is a factor to consider when it comes to the final standings of MotoGP in 2024. He appears as the fifth option among the favorites for victory in the championship, according to some betting houses.
In two days, it will be possible to see the latest update from KTM on the track during the Sepang tests, from February 6th to 8th.
