
Phillip Island’s recent Australian Grand Prix showcased just how far KTM has come in the MotoGP landscape, with Brad Binder’s outstanding performance standing as a testament. The South African ace, who narrowly missed the podium, believes that the gap between KTM and the forerunner, Ducati, has now dwindled significantly.
Binder’s performance in the Australian race was indeed commendable. He began in an impressive second position and maintained that stance throughout most of the race, only being outdone towards the finale by the triumphant Johann Zarco.
A gripping moment saw Binder hot on the heels of Jorge Martin. Martin was the singular frontrunner at Phillip Island who gambled with the soft rear tyre. However, Zarco’s audacious move at the Turn 4 (Miller Corner) allowed both Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio to seize an opportunity to surpass Binder.
Despite these events, Binder secured a respectable fourth place, overtaking Martin, reinforcing KTM’s enhanced prowess, especially post the inclusion of the carbon fibre chassis at Motegi.
Binder, in a reflective mood, shared his optimism. “The transformation from last season to now is monumental,” Binder expressed with genuine enthusiasm. “The progress we’ve made is vast, and the connection I felt with the bike was unparalleled.”
The Australian Grand Prix also marked Binder’s best qualifying performance in MotoGP. He described the unique thrill of starting the race virtually unobstructed, saying, “It’s a surreal experience to see an open track ahead.”
On comparing with Ducati, Binder observed, “We’re breathing down their necks. They did have an edge in the grip department towards the end, even though I was conservative with my tyre. We tend to be a bit more demanding on our tyres than some competitors. Yet, unlike last year where I struggled with tyre wear towards the close, this time I remained competitive till the last lap.”
Brad Binder’s insights not only showcase his passion and dedication but also underline KTM’s unwavering commitment to making their mark in the MotoGP universe.
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