It was early Friday afternoon that the new rider of the official KTM team took part in the second free practice session in MotoGP for the first time in his life. Franco Morbidelli et fabio quartararo imposed their Yamahas with experience on the overheated asphalt…in front of Brad Binder who preceded Marc Márquez ! And this, in Spain, in front of all the Spanish drivers.
At the end of free practice, the South African competed in Q1 to qualify for Q2. He had to finish among the first two, but he finished third, 0.138 behind his teammate Pol Espargaro. It was a small disappointment, but a good performance for a first Grand Prix in the supreme category, with the debut on Michelins made difficult to use properly by the high temperature.
The English journalist Simon Patterson summed up general opinion by estimating in “The Race” that “Brad Binder has been highly rated for years as he worked his way up the ranks, and he proved it today by nearly reaching second place in his first ever MotoGP qualifying session. »
Moto3 World Champion in 2016 on KTM, Binder has developed an excellent relationship with the Austrian firm, to whom he brought 7 victories in Moto3 and 8 in Moto2, including 5 last year when he finished vice-World Champion.
We therefore knew this very well, but we were also aware that the KTM MotoGP was not an easy machine for a beginner in the category. Finishing this Saturday in qualifying 0.027 ahead of Danilo Petrucci on his official Ducati was therefore very honorable, even if a fall by the Italian during recent tests should not be overlooked.
“To be completely honest, it was better than I could have asked for, thought Brad. If I think about what I did at the end of last year – or even at the start of this one – I think that to be 12th at Jerez with the time we did, we must be happy. »
“We have taken a big step forward in reducing errors. Also, with the performance of the bike in the braking zones, especially with the heat and in terms of general comfort just by making the front a little harder. »
“I have to be realistic, for my first Grand Prix, we are learning a lot and we still have a lot to learn. I realize it every time I go out to ride. »
“I think there is room and opportunity there for us to make good progress. This Sunday will definitely be part of that learning curve. »
Here come the KTMs! 💪@polespargaro and @ BradBinder_41 go first and second to bump @Rins42 out, for now! 👀#SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/4Oi0dAVoxY
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) July 18, 2020
Q1 results:
Photos © Motogp.com / Dorna, Polarity Photo for KTM
