Let's talk MotoGP: Brad Binder has changed, and here's the proof

Brad Binder will have a hard time getting back into title contention. Indeed, the KTM rider has wasted quite a few opportunities this season, and this phenomenon is partly due to his change of approach. But yet, is its year intrinsically less good than the 2022 financial year, which we widely praised? A statistic will help us answer.

 

Brad Binder is no longer the same

 

Last year, as well as in 2021, the South African relied heavily on his consistency. He was a monster in this field, undoubtedly the undisputed master in fact. But as we explained in an article, what we once called regularity no longer pays off like it used to. Today, performance peaks count more and this translates into a lower average points needed to be titled. Both Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martín have relatively low averages for this reason; they are fast, so they fall.

 

 

It wasn't hard to see this change in Brad Binder. This season, he is more bleeding, more on the attack, more proactive in his driving. This also translates into growth in his memorable performances, but also through downfalls. I wanted to write this article to prove that you should be careful when reading statistics. Hold on tight; in 2023, he has already fallen four times solely because of his mistakes, therefore not counting Argentina. In 2021 and 2022, he had only experienced the same fate twice in two seasons! It's quite impressive.

 

Is it serious, doctor?

 

Absolutely not, and that's exactly what I'm getting at. His case is proof that regularity no longer means anything. Yes, he falls more often, and we could therefore say that he is having a bad season, or not at his full potential. Besides, he could do better. However, the ranking says the opposite. With a fairly efficient bike without touching the Ducati, he has already managed to tickle the best riders, he got on the podium by attacking. Dynamically, his season isn't necessarily over the top, but when it comes to accomplishments, it's second to none.

 

 

First, he is in the top 4, firmly established, and will aim for the top 3 if Marco Bezzecchi's injury is too serious. This season, more than ever, this dimension is part of the game and we must not be afraid of taking a vacant place. And then, can you just remind me of one notable performance from its 2022 financial year? In many ways, Miguel Oliveira's was more memorable for that same reason, even though he was dropped in the rankings. We will long remember the crab arrivals in Jerez while aiming for victory in the Sprint, but not the repeated 5th places.

To survive at the highest level, you have to play up front. You have to win, go quickly in qualifying – it's costing him a lot again this year, making an impression, taking the psychological advantage, becoming a threat. THE MotoGP has never been so fast and tight. Everyone plays for the podium over a season, or almost. Regularity alone no longer pays.

Do you share my opinion on Brad Binder? Tell me in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport