Brad Binder confirmed that he was a talent on this MotoGP grid in a 2022 season where he gave all possible satisfaction to a KTM staff that we know is demanding to say the least. A great run that was further embellished by his solid comeback to second place in the last Grand Prix of the competition in Valencia. The South African returned to the Ricardo Tormo track on Tuesday November 8 for the first test of the 2023 off-season. And he is already rubbing his hands….
After the advent of Ducati and the thrust ofAprilia, KTM is the third European manufacturer from which we expect strong progress in MotoGP. It could be revealed in 2023, with a Brad Binder that we no longer present, the arrival of Jack Miller and the return of Pol Espargaro. This without mentioning the market made in the ranks of Ducati among the executives and other engineers… In Valencia, a draft of the RC16 for the next campaign was submitted to the expertise of the man who finished sixth in the 2022 championship as the best driver of the Mattighofen brand. What did he say about it?
Listening to it, it’s a positive assessment. The South African tried various technical solutions, including a different chassis and aerodynamics to the specification used this year, gaining important insights both in terms of feel and performance. An encouraging situation which will allow the Austrian manufacturer to work calmly in view of the tests planned at Sepang in February.
« We tried several things on the new bike, from the aerodynamics to the engine and I would say we were able to gather a lot of positive information »Comments Brad Binder. " I went out to the track with a new frame and the final result is much higher than that used during the race weekend. I had a lot of trouble with the front during the Grand Prix. With this bike, these areas are super good. In terms of sensations, it is much easier to ride. But I have a little trouble exiting turns. So we need a combination. Of course there were also several points to correct, but that's normal. We are also testing that.”
Brad Binder: “the new philosophy of KTM and that if it works, you don't touch it"
On the aerodynamic side, the pilot of 27 years analysis: “ it's difficult to judge because we not only changed the aerodynamic elements, but the whole package. But the latter felt good to me, I liked it. There was a lot of wind. I felt like it was better in the wind. Everything was different... So it's hard to say what was responsible for what. Regardless, it's now the job of the engineers to optimize everything and bring an even better package to Sepang. The engine has also been refined... The new motorcycle is a complete combination ", confirmed Binder. " The character of the engine is very similar. I don't know the difference, they didn't tell me anything. I get on the bike, I ride it and I tell them what I think ».
He also reveals: “ KTM's new philosophy and that if it works, you don't touch it. I believe they will do things that can make us faster. I don't know if these will be minor or major changes. We will see this at Sepang. Our bike is not bad at all. We still have a few things to do, but we'll see. I think we're going to have a good year next year ". He finishes : " I am grateful to the team for the excellent work they have done during the season. Now is the time to put everything together and create the best possible package ahead of Sepang ».
Valencia test: times
Credit classification motogp.com
