As the 2026 MotoGP season approaches, Brad Binder finds himself at a pivotal juncture, eager to reclaim his form after a difficult 2025 campaign. The South African rider, representing KTM, aims to rise above the setbacks that defined his previous season, focusing intently on reversing his fortunes and proving his resilience in the fiercely competitive MotoGP arena.
Challenges of 2025 and Team Dynamics Shaping New Beginnings
Binder’s 2025 season was marked by struggles, especially when measured against his teammate Pedro Acosta’s notable success, who finished fourth in the World Championship standings. Binder’s own campaign culminated in an eleventh-place finish, a result he described as the toughest in his career. This contrast has fueled his determination to bounce back stronger in 2026.
During the launch event for KTM’s updated RC-16 machine, Binder shared his anticipation ahead of the upcoming collective test in Sepang, Malaysia.
This preseason has been fantastic. I’ve really enjoyed it, but I’ve been missing my bike for the past month. I’m eager to get back on it, and hopefully, we can have a solid test in Sepang and kick off the year on the right foot,
Binder stated.
A significant change for Binder this year is his new partnership with crew chief Phil Marron, known for his success with WSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu at BMW. Taking over from long-time collaborator Andrés Madrid, Binder explained the need for fresh perspectives.
I had a great season with Andrés. He’s one of my best friends on and off the track, and we shared some incredible moments. But it felt like we were a bit stuck in our ways. Starting fresh with Phil will be fun. It might take some getting used to, but I’m excited about this new adventure.
Progress and Improvements in KTM’s Upcoming Bike
Pedro Acosta supplemented the discussion by praising the extent of development in KTM’s 2026 bike, highlighting it as a substantial upgrade rather than a mere refinement of the previous model. This sentiment was echoed by Binder, who confirmed KTM’s advancements in engineering.
Absolutely! At the start of 2025, we had far fewer elements to test. This year, there are many more crucial components, and I’m excited to explore them when we arrive in Malaysia. The 2025 model was largely a continuation, but for 2026, it seems we have some exciting new elements to experiment with.
While his main focus remains on the 2026 season, Binder also expressed interest in KTM’s plans for their 2027 bike development.
Of course, I’m interested in the changes. It’s good to be in the loop, but my primary focus is on the 2026 season. The team knows how to develop the bike, and I trust they’ll provide us with the best package possible. My job is to ride, and I’m determined to have the best year yet.
Reflecting on a Difficult Year and Building New Foundations
Following a taxing 2025, Binder took time off to regroup and address the challenges he faced on track. He described the mental and physical demands of pushing through tough moments that ultimately hampered his performance.
When 2025 ended, I felt I needed a break. The harder things got, the more I pushed myself, but it just wasn’t working. It was one of the toughest moments of my career. I know I can do better; I’ve proven it time and again. It was hard to comprehend why I lacked pace, especially when I used to find it effortlessly.
His offseason has been dedicated to a disciplined training regimen designed to restore confidence and enjoyment in riding.
I set out to create a robust program, starting from December 15. My goal is to be present, enjoy riding, and I believe everything else will fall into place,
Binder explained.
Still carrying the echoes of last year’s struggles, he remains determined to translate his renewed mindset into competitive performance.
I never felt comfortable for an extended period last year. Once we began to regain our footing, it felt like I was catching up after falling behind. It was undoubtedly my hardest season, and I know that feeling comfortable and confident with my bike is crucial for success.
Upcoming Season Brings Hope and Renewed Ambition
With the season opener set in Thailand, Brad Binder is motivated to demonstrate growth and resilience. His partnership with KTM, under the guidance of new crew leadership and backed by significant technical progress, positions him well to challenge his previous limits. Fans and experts are watching closely to see if Binder can harness his experience and the improvements in KTM’s RC-16 to restore his place among the elite riders of MotoGP.
