For the 2026 MotoGP season, Brad Binder will collaborate with a new crew chief as KTM brings in Phil Marron, renowned for guiding Toprak Razgatlioglu to three World Superbike titles. This strategic change aims to help Binder rebound after what was his most challenging MotoGP year in 2025, where he failed to secure a podium and finished 11th overall with 155 points.
Toprak Razgatlioglu had hoped to continue working with Marron in MotoGP, as he prepares for his premier class debut with Pramac Yamaha under a two-year contract. However, Pramac chose to retain Alberto Giribuola as Razgatlioglu’s crew chief, citing Marron’s absence from MotoGP since 2016 as a concern.
Phil Marron’s Background and Successful Partnership with Razgatlioglu
Marron’s experience spans multiple championships; he has been Razgatlioglu’s crew chief since 2019, including their time together when Razgatlioglu joined Yamaha’s World Superbike team in 2020 and later BMW in 2024. Despite Marron’s absence from MotoGP after working with Eugene Laverty in 2015 and 2016, his proven ability to lead riders to success played a crucial role in KTM’s decision to bring him aboard.
Alongside his work with Razgatlioglu, Marron has supported riders like John McGuinness, Michael Laverty, Guy Martin, and Sam Lowes throughout his career, gaining a reputation for his practical and effective approach to racing.
Brad Binder Welcomes New Collaboration and Marron’s Straightforward Style
Marron joined Binder’s KTM team during the post-season MotoGP test in Valencia 2025, marking the first time Binder will work with someone other than Andres Madrid since his Moto2 debut in 2017. Binder highlighted the long-standing relationship with Madrid, who had supported him since his early career, saying,
“I had Andres as my crew chief since 2017, [and] before that he was my data guy in Moto3. So, I think we have our system, and it’s been like that for the best part of 10 years.”
Binder expressed optimism about the fresh start:
“Starting fresh with someone new is going to be interesting, for sure. It was cool to meet Phil at the last test, and he’s really an awesome guy. It’s been super fun to see his working style. He seems to be really to the point, easy going, not too involved in the data, more in what I say.”
So, it looks cool. I’m really looking forward to getting started with him in Malaysia. And, fingers crossed, we can put together a great season.
Brad Binder, MotoGP Rider
KTM’s Rationale Behind Crew Chief Change After a Difficult Season
Andres Madrid, Binder’s long-time data engineer, played an instrumental role in his early career achievements, including the 2016 Moto3 world title and securing second place in the 2019 Moto2 championship. However, KTM decided it was time to shake things up following Binder’s downturn in form in 2025, which was his worst performance since 2020.
Binder noticed Marron’s expertise immediately during their first test together in Valencia and felt reassured by his approach. Meanwhile, Madrid has transitioned to KTM Tech3 to assist Enea Bastianini in 2026 after Alberto Giribuola moved to support Razgatlioglu at Pramac.
Marron’s Approach May Help Binder Overcome Last Year’s Struggles
Reflecting on his 2025 season, Binder admitted that he had become overly fixated on identifying the reasons behind his lost speed, which may have hindered his performance. Marron’s practical and communication-focused working style contrasts with Binder’s prior tendency to dive deeply into data analysis.
This change is seen as an essential factor that could help Binder regain confidence and improve his competitiveness. With Marron’s guidance, Binder hopes to refocus on the essential aspects of racing and capitalize on KTM’s new bike, launched ahead of the 2026 season.
The upcoming 2026 season marks a pivotal opportunity for Brad Binder and KTM to rebuild momentum in MotoGP, with fans eager to see how the renewed partnership influences his results on the track.
