Pedro Acosta is currently measuring his performance against his KTM teammate Brad Binder, whom he regards as the fastest KTM rider entering the 2026 MotoGP season. Acosta finished pre-season testing at Buriram as the leading KTM rider, continuing his momentum from the end of 2025 when he was the brand’s only regular podium finisher.
In contrast, Brad Binder did not secure a podium last year and ended the championship 152 points behind Acosta. Binder faced difficulties during the early part of pre-season testing but showed improvement toward the closing stages of the Buriram test.
Acosta Sees Binder as the Benchmark for KTM’s Pace
Despite Binder’s struggles, Acosta considers him the reference point for KTM riders as they head into the Thai Grand Prix weekend. Reflecting on this dynamic, Acosta explained,
“It all depends on how far or close you are,”
Pedro Acosta said at Buriram.
He added,
“Now I compare myself to Binder because he has confidence. At the moment, he is the fastest KTM rider, and it is important to look at the fastest riders, even if it is difficult to make all the necessary comparisons during testing because maybe one rider is doing a different job from another.”
Binder Finds Solutions Late in Pre-Season Testing
Following the Buriram test, Brad Binder acknowledged that his race simulation confirmed the need for significant adjustments to the RC16’s setup. These changes to the bike’s balance ultimately improved his confidence by the end of testing.
Binder described his test day as having “two halves.” He said,
“Today was pretty much a day of two halves. This morning was not great, but then I did the full race simulation in the afternoon, and it really confirmed my feelings that we need to change something with the set-up.”
He continued,
“After that, we ended up making a big change. I did the last time attack in the afternoon and things were much better. So, happy with that, and I’m looking forward to exploring this area more.”
Regarding the improvements, Binder added,
“It was really balance, we made a big shift in the balance and everything started to work better.”
Looking Ahead to the Thai Grand Prix and KTM’s Outlook
Pedro Acosta’s acknowledgment of Brad Binder as KTM’s fastest rider highlights healthy internal competition within the team as they approach the 2026 season. With Acosta continuing to lead in testing and Binder regaining confidence through crucial setup breakthroughs, KTM appears positioned to enhance its competitiveness on the grid. The upcoming Thai Grand Prix will offer a clearer picture of how these developments translate into race performance and could shape the brand’s trajectory moving forward in MotoGP.
