Let's Talk MotoGP: Is Pedro Acosta Overshadowing Brad Binder?

Before you go any further, I'll admit: the timing of this article is not ideal. But this idea came to me from a simple thought, because precisely, even if Pedro Acosta falls very regularly lately, without even mentioning his injury at Phillip Island, we still talk about him more than Brad Binder. With only three races left to go and everyone having been able to gauge Acosta's talent, the question is legitimate. Does he overshadow Binder? For me, yes. I will try to convince you.

As a little introduction, let me tell you why I think the comparison is valid. We tend to forget this, but Brad Binder, when he arrived in MotoGP during the 2020 season, was also considered a genius. Coming from the KTM team (like Acosta), he made a brilliant Moto3 world champion (like Acosta) and found himself propelled into the most prestigious category, still with KTM. Again, like Acosta, but not quite. He was given an even more difficult mission, because he enjoyed the status of factory rider. The challenge was brilliantly met, because he, unlike Acosta this time, won in his first year, in Brno. So, this article compares two wonderboys quite similar.

 

Mathematical reality

 

Let's start with the argument that carries the most weight: the general classification. We can turn the question over and over again; if we understand the context in the right way, It is difficult to contradict this tool. As a reminder, they benefit from the same machine, namely the latest generation KTM RC16. Binder has been riding it since 2020, so, without interruption. It's pretty crazy, by the way, because he has never missed a single race since his arrival in MotoGP.

 

 

When we look at the ranking, It is clear that Pedro is holding his own against Brad.. Before the start of the season, I warned you about this phenomenon: yes, Binder is a great rider, but he has never faced a man of his level at KTM. Miguel Oliveira, who had a more remarkable 2022 season in my opinion, was certainly not as consistent. Pedro Acosta represents his first real internal challenge, and despite this difference in experience, the rookie has nothing to be ashamed of.

At the time of writing, Binder is ahead in the championship in fifth place, yes, but by a whisker. Acosta is only 11 points behind, while he has not finished a single race in Japan or Australia. Binder has only one podium, compared to four for Acosta, including recent ones.. The Tech3 driver has four top 3 finishes in Sprint compared to just one for Binder. Acosta even qualified on pole position in Japan, a feat that Binder has never managed to do since 2020! Not to mention the fastest laps in the race: Acosta has two compared to none for Binder.

Clearly, if we take the whole season, which is not over yet, I think Pedro Acosta is already the best rider at KTMIf he comes back strong, he will be able to aim for that fifth place that was within his reach two races ago.

 

A difference in approach

 

Now why isn't Binder playing up front like last year? It is a fact that the South African has clearly regressed compared to the 2023 season, or rather, he has (re)changed his approach. As in 2022, he has adopted a much more conservative philosophy, he falls less, he is a little cleaner. With quite impressive regularity, he manages to sneak into the places that count without making the slightest noise. Indeed, the cameras are often focused on the top 3, and since the races are not tight in 2024, Binder is not often in the spotlight.

 

 

Acosta, like any self-respecting rookie, is giving it his all. He's taking fewer risks than Binder, in a sense, because this is his apprentice year. If he must fall, try, express his genius in the purest way, it is now.. Both approaches are respectful and have proven themselves in history. But in modern MotoGP, conservatives like Binder has become again are no longer popular. Moreover, this is reflected in the standings: he was much better placed last year. Acosta, although 11 points behind, is more offensive, and therefore, more present than Binder in the MotoGP landscape. On this point, he eclipses him in the first sense of the term, there is no doubt about it. And if a strategy pays off, it is Acosta's, as proven by the world champions since 2021 and the four main players in this 2024 championship. The times call for flamboyance.

 

A satellite factory pilot

 

 

Last argument in favor of Pedro Acosta: his weight at KTM. One detail has always frustrated me with Brad Binder. I don't know if it's shyness or fear of the media, but he is certainly one of the least talkative drivers on the entire grid. Each of his interventions is bland, without much flavor, and not very informative to boot. That doesn't mean it's the same with his engineers; I don't question his status as a well-deserved factory rider. But being an official also means embodying the brand, in the media as well as on social networks. Pedro Acosta is made for that. Every time he speaks, it hits the mark..

And this also seems to be reflected behind the thick curtains of Tech3. Hervé Poncharal recently declared that he was the one who "very clearly indicated the direction to follow for the next year", while he is still only a satellite rider! Rarely have we heard such praise for Brad Binder, who, incidentally, has not yet taken KTM to the Ducati dimension despite his five seasons of experience.

A factory rider must embody the ambition, not of a team, but of an entire brand. He must have the shoulders to withstand the most acerbic questions in press conferences. He must also have technical sensitivity, in addition, of course, to being an excellent rider. I think Pedro Acosta ticks all the boxes, while Brad Binder, from an objective standpoint, doesn't seem as assertive as an official.Next year, the number 1 rider at KTM could well be Spanish.

I'm curious to know what you think about this. Do you agree with me? Tell me in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: KTM