Interview With Brad Binder On First-Ever MotoGP Victory

Honda may believe in the power of dreams, but at KTM the approach is much more practical. In 2017, when the Austrian brand first decided to re-enter the MotoGP series, it had a crystal-clear plan in place. And in the light of rookie Brad Binder’s first-ever MotoGP victory at Brno—piloting a KTM RC16—the plan now looks impressive for its prescience.

“We have a lot of experience in motorsport, but with MotoGP we entered into a new dimension,” commented KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer four years ago at the team launch. “The commitment from the whole [company] has been huge. In off-road [racing], we have always supported the growth of our talents, and [have been able] to stay together in all categories. This was not possible in roadracing; we discovered new talent with the Red Bull Rookies Cup, supported them in Moto3, but then we had to lose them. It was painful. [That] is one of the main reasons for our commitment in the three GP classes. As for MotoGP, we know it will be a long journey. The target is to win in the fourth season.”

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Presumption? No, just pure realism dictated by an objective development plan already tested in other disciplines, which resulted in winning series both off road (Dakar Rally, Enduro, Cross, and Supercross) and roadracing (Moto3 and Moto2). KTM also ensured the RC16 was up to the task, and on Sunday at Automotodrom Brno, Beirer could finally declare “mission accomplished” when South African rookie Brad Binder scored his and KTM’s first-ever MotoGP win—a true milestone.

Considering Binder is the result of KTM’s Rider program, you could absolutely label this a team victory. He rode through the Red Bull Cup, became Moto3 world champion in 2016 with KTM, then got the 2019 Moto2 runner-up slot again with KTM, and at the end of last year was promoted to the factory team to replace Johann Zarco in MotoGP.

Not many riders get a factory ride in their rookie MotoGP season. On top of that, since 2013 only Marc Márquez has managed to win a MotoGP race in his debut season.

It’s unbelievable, I haven’t realized it yet. It’s something crazy. I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid. After winning the last three races of the 2019 season, I was wondering when I would taste the champagne again. I didn’t imagine I could make it in my third MotoGP race.

What did you think when KTM offered you a seat on the factory RC16?

At first, I was a bit reluctant. Moto2 was my playground and I knew how to play the game (he won five races in 2019 and finished as Moto2 runner-up behind Alex Márquez). I’m glad I finally accepted. Now I know I did the right thing, and I want to thank KTM for their trust.

How was your apprenticeship with the MotoGP class?

A MotoGP bike is brutal: The amount of power is incredible and the level of the electronics is scary. It’s incredible the way the bike stops, and the way the electronics work [when] coming off the corner. You can open the throttle flat-out and the bike sorts out the rest. Even though we had electronics in Moto2, there is no traction control, so if you open the throttle the way you can on the MotoGP bike, you’ll have a massive highside. I knew the switch from Moto2 to MotoGP was not [going to be] easy. Last November at the Valencia test, I was last. I think that result gave me extra fire going into the off-season to work harder and figure out this MotoGP thing. When we came back to Malaysia, I had already made a step forward. Then the championship was frozen just before the Qatar opening round. I used those months to train even harder [and] tried to learn as much as I could, watching old videos.

What was your strategy for the Brno race? I guess that testing with Dani Pedrosa on the same track 10 days prior definitely paid dividends.

With such poor track conditions and the high temperatures, the team worked hard [to sort out] tire degradation. I knew that managing the rear tire would be the key. The plan was to be soft on the tires in the first laps, and save the tires for the second half of the race. Following Fabio (Quartararo) first, and then Franco (Morbidelli), I realized that they were struggling a bit more than I was, so I passed them. I [managed] to build a gap, but despite the margin, I continued to push because I was worried the tires couldn't [make it to] the last laps.

You showed an incredible maturity in managing the tires, but also in managing the pressure.

It was the craziest final 10 laps of my life. I did everything as smoothly [and as] calmly as possible because the rear tire was quite dead. Every time I tried something aggressive, I [would feel] some crazy pumping. It was important to remain calm.

What was your first thought at the finish line?

Just to lead a MotoGP race is already an incredible feeling. In the final three laps, even with no one behind me I blocked the lines just in case. It was a pity my parents were not there to celebrate.

How does it feel to receive congratulations from Valentino Rossi after finishing ahead of him?

I remember well my first preseason test in Jerez in 2009 with the Red Bull Cup. The MotoGP guys were there testing at the same time. I remember sitting in the grandstand every chance I got, watching Valentino Rossi and all the big boys go round. That was when I realized just how powerful a MotoGP bike is, and what an amazing class it is.

The road to MotoGP is even steeper for a rider from South Africa. How do you remember your first steps in the paddock with your dad as a mechanic?

Coming from overseas required a lot of adaptation. I’ve been lucky to have my dad on my side. When I started, he was always my mechanic… It was great. Even before going into the Rookies Cup, when we were racing in South Africa, my dad prepared all my bikes. He did all the engines…everything.

On August 11 you turn 25. Could you have ever imagined celebrating your birthday with such a result?

I couldn’t think of a better present! I want to thank KTM and the whole team for the great job. The bike was incredible. It was a team victory!

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On Sunday the MotoGP circus heads to Austria, KTM’s home GP. According to Rossi, KTM is one of the favorites to win.

Everything went well in Brno, but we have to be realistic. Anyway, It’s great to go to Spielberg [Austria] with this result. It gave me a lot of confidence, so I really look forward to racing on KTM’s home [turf], on a track that I know very well.