The 3 Moto2016 World Champion had a complicated start to the season due to his unfamiliarity with the Moto2 category, a brand new KTM, and a debilitating arm injury. That's a lot for one man and the South African logically missed his start to the season, before leaving his head above water at the 13th GP of the season in Misano, with a fine 4th place.
Fifth then in Aragon, Binder finished his season magnificently with three podiums in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia. “I expected to do well, and then in the first race, I came in 20th and I started to worry a little,” admits Brad. But every weekend it got a little better, we found little things on the bike and I learned how to ride it. Then, suddenly, we took a step forward. I don't know what made it click or what happened, but it went much better. »
But it wasn't without some behind-the-scenes drama, with his arm needing three surgeries to get back into shape like it was before the crash. “ It was a huge pain because it never got better! I ended up having to have it operated on three times, so it wasn't great, and as soon as it was fixed... it had been so long since I used it that it took forever for it to come back . Now I'm happy to say I don't have to worry about that anymore. »
“I was very lucky because I learned a lot every weekend,” believes Binder. “ Miguel was always on pace from the start and that gave me a direction to work with. It was the same difference every weekend and I just had to try to work with him. Eventually I got closer and closer, and from there I started feeling stronger every weekend and catching up a little. »
“I want to start 2018 the way I finished last season, and try to build from there. If I could always stay at the front, that would be great. That's always the goal. When you do this every weekend, you start to really believe that this is where you belong and for me, that's when things start to go much, much better. »
“When KTM does something, it does it right. I feel like my bike is amazing. Miguel got a podium in the second race. It's great, and I'm very lucky to be on such a good bike with such a good team behind me. We already had a good set at the end of last year and if we keep what we had it's a great way to start. And I know that KTM and my team will definitely find us even more. The more KTMs, the better! We'll see, but I think it will be good. For me, the KTM is the best Moto2. »
Photo credit: Gold and Goose for KTM
Source: Motogp.com / Dorna
