The start of the MotoGP season was marked by notable success for KTM, including a strong performance from Brad Binder who reached the podium in both the sprint and the Grand Prix, placing second in both events. However, Binder had to recognize Ducati's superiority in these confrontations. Does this herald a lead for Ducati over KTM for the 2024 season?
The success of Brad Binder is mainly based on his performance in qualifying. Thanks to excellent preparation, he advanced directly to Q2, subsequently taking fourth place on the grid, just 0,124 seconds behind the poleman. George Martin. Binder revealed that he adjusted his diet during the off-season in order to gain weight and thus recover those precious tenths of a second essential in MotoGP.
Sunday, during the Grand Prix, Brad Binder once again showed a competitive pace, winning his duel against Martin for second place and competing with Pecco Bagnaia over the entire race. However, no overtaking attempt on the driver Ducati did not succeed, and Binder finished the race in second position, a result that his team, fourth in the championship last season, welcomes with satisfaction.
« It's incredible to start the season with two second place podiums ", said Binder, visibly satisfied with his performances at the Losail international circuit. “ I'm even more excited about my Sunday run than my Saturday run. We were more efficient. I loved the battle with Martin. I tried to catch up with Pecco, but as soon as I got closer, he increased the pace ».
Brad Binder warns KTM: “ Ducati seems to be able to find extra performance if necessary »
Brad Binder highlighted the improvements made to the RC16 after Saturday's sprint: “ we had to progress after the sprint, where I encountered difficulties. This Sunday, the situation was much better managed “, he explained, praising the work of his team for improving the bike in all aspects, even if new challenges emerged during the Sunday race.
« Vibrations appeared when the tires started to wear, which was unexpected. We now know what to focus on to improve ", told Binder. Asked about the comparison between the RC16 and the Ducati GP24, he replied: “ we are at a similar level to last year. I give everything I have and I constantly push, while Ducati seems to be able to find extra performance if necessary. I'm waiting for this last impulse, but I won't give up ».
The next stage will take place in the Algarve, Portugal, where Ducati is again favorite after the victories of Francis Bagnaia during the sprint and the Grand Prix the previous year.
MotoGP Qatar J3: ranking
Championship after Qatar (1/21):
Credit classification motogp.com