Brad Binder is aiming for a significant boost in pace as KTM gets ready for the upcoming MotoGP test at Buriram. Following a challenging Sepang test where he finished 15th, over a second behind the leaders, the South African rider is hopeful that recent developments with his KTM RC16 will lead to improved speed and competitiveness.
Progress and New Partnership Fuel Confidence
Binder has formed a new alliance with Phil Marron, who was formerly the crew chief for Toprak Razgatlioglu. This collaboration has already enhanced Binder’s comfort on the bike, which he believes will translate into better lap times. Reflecting on his recent runs, he said,
“I wasn’t able to do a super fast lap time by any means, but I felt more comfortable on the bike, and the lap time was coming easier,”
demonstrating the positive effect of the changes. He also expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts during the testing period:
“So in general, I’m quite happy with the work we have done in the box over the last few days.”
Overcoming Last Season’s Qualifying Struggles
Speed remains a critical factor, especially considering Binder’s past difficulties in qualifying. Last season, his average grid position was 14th, significantly behind his teammate Pedro Acosta, who averaged seventh. Binder openly recognized the need to improve this aspect of his performance, admitting,
“I’ve got some work to do for sure!”
This acknowledgment highlights the pressure he faces to climb the ranks before the season begins.
Encouraging Signs from Sepang’s Final Runs
While his overall placement at Sepang was lower than desired, Binder showed progress in the final stages of testing. The team combined several promising parts for his last timed lap, which gave him a better feel of the bike despite some unfamiliarity with the setup. He explained,
“I felt a lot better. We basically put the good points that we found all together for the last run.”
However, he continues to seek further improvements, adding,
“I was still trying to figure things out a little bit while I was going around. So I think once we have a bit of time [with the same parts and setup], hopefully I can find that last bit.”
Looking Ahead to Buriram and Season Opener in Thailand
Binder is optimistic about further enhancing the KTM’s handling characteristics, particularly in terms of agility, which he believes could make a significant difference.
“I actually felt pretty decent at the end. I think we could definitely use a little bit more turning, and if we could find that, I think we could go a long way,”
he remarked. With a two-week break preceding the February 21-22 Buriram test and the season start in Thailand shortly after, Binder and his team are focusing on maximizing setup and speed improvements during this critical period.
The upcoming Buriram test presents a vital opportunity for Binder to convert his growing comfort on the KTM into the pace he needs to contend with front-runners like Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta. As the Thai Grand Prix approaches, the racing world will watch closely to see if Binder’s adjustments and team efforts can spark a breakthrough season for the South African rider and the KTM squad.
