MotoGP Spain Jerez J3: Brad Binder (KTM/2) exults: “I feel so strong”

Second after spending the vast majority of the race in the lead, Brad Binder can be proud of his performance in Jerez. The South African showed mastery during the Sprint, and failed to repeat it during the Grand Prix, if not for an untouchable Pecco Bagnaia. Third in the general classification, he made an impression in addition to very big points, that's a certainty. KTM had one of the best weekends since its arrival in MotoGP.

« With five or six laps to go, I made a mistake which ruined the lead I had. " Here's how Brad Binder explains his defeat – in fact – at the Spanish Grand Prix in the columns of speedweek. After the place returned by Pecco Bagnaia to Jack Miller, the KTM official was more than eight tenths of a second ahead of the Italian but, however, that was not enough. “ After the finish, his rear tire was in better shape than mine. I didn't pay as much attention to my rear rubber because I was in front, when I should have. The Ducati is very stable in the corners, while we are stronger in the traction and braking phases ". Honest, he has no trouble admitting his wrongs.

 

While the rise of the reigning world champion was inevitable, Brad Binder gave everything, even after being overtaken, although we know the difficulties that drivers encounter in overcoming a competitor in Jerez. “ I really wanted to catch him on the last lap but I wasn't close enough in the last corner. I didn't want to tempt the devil, otherwise, we both would have ended up in the gravel trap! The duel with him was fantastic ". A wise decision, especially since he is now playing big in the championship.

Second place is not worth a victory but Brad Binder knows the value of his result. « I feel so strong on this bike. I'm able to fight with the other guys. If I had been told that I was going to win the Sprint and finish second in the main race after practice on Friday, I would have signed straight away! »

Brad Binder could perfectly embody the rival of Pecco Bagnaia over a season. If he regains his consistency of 2022 and enhances it with the velocity he showed in Jerez, then we could be in the presence of a serious title candidate. What did you think of his weekend? Tell us in the comments!

Here are the results of the 2023 MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix:

 

Classification credit: motogp.com

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport