Let’s talk MotoGP: The best of the “others”? The Brad Binder problem

The 2024 season starts today! Until the first Grand Prix of the Season, let's talk MotoGP will try to detail as best as possible the expectations surrounding all the drivers, Brad Binder's turn. This will be accompanied by a short prediction, and of course, you are invited to give yours in comments. Yesterday, we continued this series with Luca Marini, in an article that you can find by clicking here.

Can he do better?

Brad Binder does not occupy an easy position. In addition to carrying the weight of KTM on his shoulders, he must battle, alone, or almost, against all the Ducati riders. Last year, he was the only one with a machine other than the Desmosedici to regularly break into the top 5; I'm not including Aleix Espargaro, who, despite his two resounding victories, hasn't been that dangerous over such a long period of time.

The South African is still young, in the prime of his life, ready to fight and undoubtedly one of the best in the world. On the handlebars, he is quick, very strong on the brakes, impressive too, and has his own style. Outside, he is someone who seems calm, calm, without embellishments although little in information for the media. In short, he would make a good champion.

Sunset lover. Photo: Michelin Motorsport

The dynamic does not change compared to last year. He is back with KTM, and will no doubt hope for an RC16 closer to the Italian army. On this point, I actually think that it will be better because, like the Aprilia, it is only progressing. He doesn't have to worry about his teammate Jack Miller, who doesn't play in the same league, but rather, has to look to Pedro Acosta's side at GasGas Tech3. The rookie seems great, and ultimately, we don't have another strong reference within the brand since the arrival of the same Binder in 2020.

Personnellement, I can't wait to see how he reacts the day there is another really good rider on a KTM, no matter what color he is. I don't doubt his talent, but it is true that the Austrian management made his task easier by leaving him a Miller rather than giving him an Acosta without any pressure, that's a certainty. But again, difficult to predict.

Last year, he was good in a new, much more aggressive style, probably too much in fact, but had messed up enormously. Theoretically, there is room to achieve a better result, there is no doubt about it. He now embodies the second biggest outsider to victory after Marc Marquez, and, as is the case with these “show drivers”, I have high expectations of him. This all looks promising.

The prognosis

It's time to get wet, and there's a lot to say in this part. What to expect, really? It is not so easy. I sincerely think that from the point of view of raw talent, Binder has nothing to envy of Bagnaia and other Martins. He has big weaknesses, like qualifications, its eternal fault, and his racing intelligence, which pushes him to blockpass excessively… and not much else, unfortunately.

Recognizable among thousands by the brakes. Photo: Michelin Motorsport

It's strange, because I imagine him having another very good year, but he will undoubtedly come up against a glass ceiling, as the title of this article insinuated. Binder will, according to my analysis, be significantly faster than all the other non-Ducati riders, but also well below the aces of the Borgo Panigale firm. This in-between, in which he was already playing in 2023, is an uncomfortable position because it is as frustrating as possible, especially in close combat where sometimes he simply cannot do better against better machines.

To summarize, I think he will achieve another top 5 in the general classification, perhaps by giving up a place to Enea Bastianini who I see quite well placed. First in a championship without Ducati, but far, too far to hope for anything interesting. Compared to 2023, I can see him triumphing on at least two occasions on Sunday – this would not be surprising – in addition to good performances in the Sprint. But I think that his sometimes gross errors, coupled with a glaring lack of velocity in qualifying will hold him back a lot, exactly like last year.

And you, what do you predict for Brad Binder in 2024? Tell me in the comments!

full black. Photo: Michelin Motorsport

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport