Brad Binder is now KTM's solid reference. Can the single top driver tactic also work for the Austrian team?
By Diane Tamantini de Motoracing
In current MotoGP there are two “schools of thought”: multiple competitive riders, as seen in Ducati, or a single attacker. In the latter case, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of Quarterly et Marquez, fundamental respectively for Yamaha et Honda. But we can also put the situation at KTM in this category. A brand not yet at the level of the two Japanese manufacturers mentioned, but we can say that Brad Binder is now the point man of the Mattinghofen troupe. We also remember the choice to make him sign a long contract last year, blocking him until 2024. In a MotoGP where we are talking at most of a two-year agreement, it was certainly not a fortuitous decision. Can the single top driver tactic also work for the Austrian team?
One of the weaknesses of KTM is undoubtedly the qualification. In a category where starting position on the grid is increasingly crucial, this certainly represents a big problem. Apparently, however, not so much for Brad Binder, who since his arrival in MotoGP in 2020 has always managed to “limit the damage” in racing. Last year, the former South African Moto3 champion was resolutely the king of comebacks with 116 positions recovered in the race. But also in this 2022 exercise, where he certainly highlights this quality. As Motosan's colleagues pointed out, in 9 of the 11 GPs contested he gained more than 5 positions, for a total of 59 positions recovered in the race.
In a MotoGP where it seems that we cannot overtake, Brad Binder has recovered 59 positions this year after 11 races
We cannot say that Brad Binder pilots the best MotoGP, the RC16 is still under construction. If we add to this some technical problems he encountered during the race, his results take on even more value. We must remember the incredible 2021 Austrian GP, won on slick tires in the rain, but there are still sensational episodes this year. Let's go back for example to the stage in Indonesia, with Binder 8th (on a very wet track) despite the level correction device blocked from the start! The No. 33, however, gritted his teeth, winning a place which, in these conditions, is well worth a victory. At Le Mans, he is the only driver KTM to cross the finish line, despite a broken wing and therefore a very unstable bike. However, this did not prevent him from going from 18th place on the grid to 8th position at the checkered flag!
The general ranking tells us that Brad Binder is the best driver KTM in MotoGP. This was largely the case last year (6th at the end of the season), in this year 2022 it is happening again. He currently occupies sixth place with 93 points, 22 more than his box mate Miguel Oliveira. If we look at his results, we also understand why: as said, his qualifications are often problematic, but in the race he shows his claws. The only real mistake was Portimao, a zero which remained the only one in 11 GPs. The P12 for final contact with zarco in Austin is the only circumstance that prevents him from finishing in the top ten, which he achieves in all other races. From the podium in Qatar to 10th place in Jerez, to 5th place with which he concluded the first part of the championship. KTM now knows that it has its benchmark in South Africa.
