The 2 Moto2019 World Vice-Champion impressed for his MotoGP debut at Sepang by setting the fifth fastest time on the first day of the shakedown in 2'01.615, 1 second behind Dani Pedrosa (2'00.625) on an equal bike. The next day, the South African ranked seventh in 2'00.899, compared to Pedrosa's best time of 1'59.841. Then on the third and final day, he finished fifth in 2'00.409, compared to 1'59.444 for his new teammate. Pol Espargaro.
“I expected it to take me longer – I’m positively surprised,” said Brad Binder. “The second day is always the most difficult, this was already the case in the Moto2 and Moto3 categories. This is due to the many small muscles that you cannot train properly. »
“At the start of the second day I felt a little tired, but as the day progressed it got better and better. The third day I felt better. It probably depends a lot on how you understand and adapt to motorcycling. »
For Binder, previously in Valencia and Jerez, it was about getting to know the bike. At Sepang he didn't just focus on lap times as he wanted to do as many laps as possible.
“After the first tests, I was overtaken by this MotoGP machine,” Binder admits. “ During winter break, I tried to put together everything I learned. Now many things already seem normal to me, I understand what is happening and I can enjoy the bike. And that without pressure. »
“There's no reason to rush, besides, we were lucky with the weather and were able to ride for all three days. I've tried a lot and learned what works for me. I didn't test any new parts – it was all about being ready with the current hardware first. »
“Since I joined Aki Ajo in 2015, everything has been going well for me,” underlines the 24-year-old young man. “I was always the one allowed to test the new parts. That's why I'm pretty well prepared for my current job. But let's be honest: how ready are you really when you get on such a different bike? Compared to what I was used to, it's a spaceship! »
“Having drivers like Dani Pedrosa, Mika Kallio and Pol Espargaró around me, who have a lot of experience, is very useful. I can compare my data with theirs. And when Dani didn't drive for a day, he was in the pits all the time and helping. »
“It’s easier to progress this way. It's one thing to study the data and then think about what to do. But if you talk to these guys, it can turn your perspective upside down. I learned a lot. »
Photos © Lukas Leitner and Sebas Romero for KTM
Source: Speedweek. com
