KTM had a promising start to the MotoGP season thanks to Brad Binder but also Pedro Acosta, whose initial performances raised a lot of hope. However, recent Grands Prix have revealed growing difficulties for the Austrian brand. Currently, KTM's official riders are struggling to regain the top positions, fighting for consistent performance.
Brad Binder, the main driver of KTM Factory, admitted that the bike was experiencing unexpected problems this season. “ We started the year well, it was great “, he told motogp.com. « But after that, we encountered more problems than expected. So far we have had a season full of ups and downs. At times it seemed like everything was going to go really well, but we encountered problems we didn't expect »
The 2023 season was more favorable for Brad Binder, who managed to regularly climb to the top places in the Grands Prix. This year, however, he is encountering more difficulties. “ Last year was a lot easier for us. Even on a weekend where things weren't going well, we were able to fight for the podium, whether in the sprint race or the main race. We were there. Now it seems that even though things aren't going so well for us, it's difficult to get into the top five »
Binder has been clear about the increased risks of accidents this season. “ At this point, our final configuration, to go as fast as possible, leaves us with very little warning ahead. It's easy to have an accident ", he explained, highlighting the main problem facing KTM have to face.
Brad Binder: “ Pedro Acosta drives incredibly well, he is a good reference for us »
Despite the challenges, Peter Acosta showed impressive skills in a few Grands Prix. “ From the first tests in Valencia we saw that he drove incredibly well. He is a very talented boy. This has been a good reference for us because it comes in fresh, with no expectations or idea of how things went the year before. Even though we have challenges right now, he pushes them to the limit and does it incredibly well ", added Binder.
Next year, KTM will see a significant reorganization of its drivers. Enea Bastianini et Maverick Vinales, coming respectively from Ducati et Aprilia, will join the satellite team Tech3. Meanwhile, Brad Binder et Peter Acosta will remain in the official team, with factory motorcycles for all. Binder considers this diversity of experience an asset. “ The most interesting thing for me, as a rider, is that they chose a Ducati rider and an Aprilia rider. This will give us a much clearer indication of what our bike does well and what it needs to improve »
Despite current obstacles, Brad Binder remains determined. “ We have to end this. We must fight for a MotoGP title. This is my goal and what KTM wants to achieve He said.
KTM will have to overcome these technical challenges and take advantage of the skills and experience of its new drivers to hope to return to the top of the competition.
