Brad Binder acknowledged that choosing not to use the soft front tyre during the race was a significant error that impacted his overall speed. Speaking on the situation, Binder emphasized how the KTM team‘s adjustments to the bike setup have not brought the desired results, leaving him frustrated with the performance.
Challenges Faced with Tyre Wear and Handling
Binder explained that although the soft compound tyre wore out quickly, the medium compound he selected prevented him from pushing the bike effectively. He said,
“I think, to be honest, the big thing I do I did felt like I made a big mistake not taking the soft front tire.”
The rider also noted the issues with tyre temperature and handling, describing how understeer became a major problem as the surface cooled.
Impact of Front Tyre Performance on Race Speed
Due to the understeer and lack of front-end grip, Binder struggled to accelerate and maneuver out of corners, which cost him valuable time on drive and exits. He stated candidly,
“When you can’t push the front and we’re losing all the time on drive and exits, so that you’re really just slow.”
His inability to maintain front tyre performance limited his competitiveness throughout the race.
Looking Ahead: Need for Improvement and Solutions
Binder accepted responsibility for the outcome, saying,
“To be honest, I was really just slow, and I’m not making any excuses at all. But, I need to do a better job, and we need to figure something out… just leave it.”
This frank admission highlights the urgency for KTM and Binder to find a more effective tyre and setup strategy to improve future race results.
