Brad Binder’s 2024 MotoGP Sprint race at Mugello ended prematurely due to a collision on the very first corner, involving Johann Zarco as well. The incident unfolded shortly after the start when Binder, launching impressively from 15th place on his Red Bull KTM, encountered contact with Fabio Di Giannantonio, leading to a crash that eliminated both riders before they could exit Turn 1.
Details of the collision and rider perspectives
Binder’s strong start was disrupted when a slight touch occurred with Di Giannantonio, who was focused on navigating safely around Marco Bezzecchi on the inside line. Fabio Di Giannantonio later shared,
“I did not know anything until after the race when I saw the images,”
expressing that from his position it was difficult to anticipate the collision.
“I was on the outside of Bez and… I didn’t feel anything. When I saw afterwards that they crashed, I was not happy, but I could not do anything.”
The contact caused Binder to lose control and fall, which also involved Zarco’s LCR Honda. Binder explained his crash, saying,
“I had a rocket launch – my start was insane – and when I turned into Turn 1, I had a touch and it was enough to make the front end tuck. That was my race done.”
He added further clarification about the incident:
“I didn’t see him when I was turning in, so I got put into a bit of a sandwich there. It’s not Diggia’s fault by any means.”
Despite the crash, both riders fortunately avoided injury. Binder humorously noted,
“My butt is a bit sore from when I slid into Zarco,”
before apologizing,
“Sorry to him. But it looks like he’s OK, so I’m glad about that.”
Zarco, starting just ahead in 14th place, reflected on his racing line decision, acknowledging that it was a high-risk move. He admitted,
“It’s very hard to take the right decision when you start to brake,”
and explained,
“The inside line would have been a bit more safe, but I already have experience here of braking a bit late, going fast into the first corner and taking a wide line to gain some positions.”
He concluded candidly, “But it didn’t work today!”
Implications for the main Mugello MotoGP race and riders’ outlook
The Italian MotoGP main event is scheduled to start on Sunday at 2 pm local time, with riders like Brad Binder hoping to recover from the sprint disappointment. Binder remains optimistic despite his crash, stating,
“It is what it is. Hopefully I can get the same launch tomorrow and put myself in a decent spot for the main race.”
The outcome of the sprint underlines the high-stakes nature of the Mugello circuit’s opening moments and highlights the delicate balance riders must manage between aggression and caution in such a tight pack.
