Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory) had a disastrous 2025 French Grand Prix at Le Mans, marked by two crashes and zero points, in contrast to his memorable triumph in the rain at Spielberg 2021. Overshadowed by his teammates Maverick Viñales (5th) and Pedro Acosta (4th), the South African, without a win since 2021, piled up mistakes in a chaotic flag-to-flag race, as he explained.
Le 2025 French Grand Prix left a bitter taste in Brad Binder, the factory driver KTMOn a Bugatti circuit swept by capricious weather conditions, the South African was never able to capitalize. The result: two crashes, no points, and an unfavorable comparison with his teammates. Maverick Vinales et Pedro Acosta, significantly more efficient throughout the weekend.
« My race was shorter than I would have liked », summarized Binder with bitterness after the ordeal. Already in difficulty in Sprint, where he had fallen, the pilot KTM started in 13th position, after missing the Q2He hoped to take advantage of the tricky conditions: " It was really difficult to determine which tires to use at the start of the race ».
Binder had bet on rain tires. I was convinced that my decision to start with rain tires was the right one. But that turned out to be wrong, as most of us came into the pits to switch to slick tires. ", he acknowledged. A costly decision, even if he denies it: " In hindsight, it is obvious that it is easy to make the right decision ».
Brad Binder: “ I'm sorry for my team »
The start of the race, however, gave him a glimpse of an opportunity: 7th on the first lap, he briefly entered the top 6. Then the slide: first fall in the last bend, the very place where fabio quartararo fell. It was wetter in the last corner. I realized it a lap later and fell. I got back on my bike and kept riding. ».
Having started 10th, he tried to continue, even after two penalties. I did my two long laps. After that, I considered changing bikes again. Then I slipped in Turn 1. It was much wetter at that point. In fact, I would have needed rain tires at that point. " he analyzed.
To conclude, a dark weekend, despite the combativeness. That's just the way it is. Sometimes things don't go as planned. I feel sorry for my team; they deserved a good result after their recent efforts. ", concluded Binder, who is now waiting for better days.
Course MotoGP French GP
MotoGP general classification
