Brad Binder made history on Sunday at the Czech Republic Grand Prix by taking his first MotoGP victory, which was also Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's first victory in the premier class. Additionally, the 25-year-old from Krugersdorp became the first South African to win in the premier class, just three races after leaving Moto2.
Driver under contract with Red Bull, it's in the columns of redbullcontentpool.com that the KTM rider looks back on his first victory among the elite.
What is the significance of being the first South African to win in MotoGP?
« It's incredible. It's crazy to think that I'm the first South African to win a MotoGP race. South Africans are simply crazy, fans of motorsport and sports in general. Since I started racing, I feel like I have the whole country behind me. Getting the first win was absolutely incredible, not just for me. I hope this creates something in South Africa for our sport. »
We saw the entire world react to the news of your victory, even as far away as the United States. What does it mean to be celebrated around the world?
« Honestly, I don't know how to explain it. This is the craziest thing to me. I always thought I would let my results speak for themselves and it seemed like a lot of people took great pleasure in me getting a good result. I think what drove this is that it was very unexpected and I think everyone appreciated that fact. »
Did you see the reactions at home to your victory? Did you expect such strong support?
« It's crazy. My phone has been in “airplane” mode for 24 hours now, because it was crazy. This was getting ridiculous. I think everyone I met messaged me or tried to call me: it was great! »
Your parents have supported you throughout your career. How was your conversation after the race?
« It was pretty cool. I called my parents several times, but they were always on the phone when I called, so they didn't answer. I can tell how happy they were and that it was a huge sacrifice for us as a family. For me, I was a teenager who raced and lived his dream of being in the MotoGP paddock, but for them it was a huge sacrifice behind the scenes. We had difficult times. It was difficult at first and a day like this Sunday makes it all come together and makes it worth it. »
It's an important moment for KTM too: what is the team's goal in 2020 and beyond? Can you be one of the challengers for the title?
« I am very proud to be part of the KTM family. Going back to our beginnings, we won in all categories. To arrive and do it in MotoGP has been incredible, literally a dream come true. I think it just goes to show that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. The guys produce maximum effort in everything they do. They're the craziest bunch of people I've ever met. When you have that much involvement, it's impossible not to succeed. I'm super proud of KTM. »
You won at Spielberg last year: can you continue your winning streak next weekend?
« I've always done well at Spielberg. But I've never been there in MotoGP. Every time I arrive at a new circuit with a MotoGP, everything changes. Your whole line choice is very different, as are your braking cues, and now we have 100 horsepower more power. »
You started motorsport on racing karts in South Africa before moving on to motorcycle racing. What gave you the two-wheel bug?
« As soon as I was old enough to race motorcycles, I made the switch. At first I did both, but I really liked two wheels more than four, and I think that's where it all started. »
Now that you've become a local hero, do you expect other kids to be inspired by your journey? Any advice for them?
“It’s hard to give advice, really. There are so many fast kids in South Africa at the moment. Every time I go home we always do these training days and I really enjoy training with the young talents. The advice would be to work hard, but enjoy it at the same time. If there is no fun and motorcycle racing becomes work, then it's over for you. Take it one day at a time. You must try to improve and improve yourself. If you keep working, you will get there eventually. »
How instrumental has the Red Bull Rookies Cup been in your development and current success?
« That’s where my whole career really started. Before that, I had only really raced in South Africa. As soon as I participated in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, it was my big chance. It's certain that during these three years, I learned a lot. It was amazing and I loved every minute of it, but most importantly, for us coming from South Africa, there would have been no other way. If I hadn't had that, I think I would still be racing at home. »
Source and photos: redbullcontentpool.com
Photographer Credit: Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool – Markus Berger / Red Bull Content Pool
