Brad Binder has expressed optimism about KTM’s progress in MotoGP despite the team’s performance at the Austrian Grand Prix. Where they fell 18.6 seconds short of victory. Binder, who finished fifth in the race, acknowledged that while the results did not meet expectations, the team has made significant strides.
Heading into KTM’s home race at the Red Bull Ring, there were high hopes following Binder’s impressive results in 2023. Where he secured second place in both the sprint and the grand prix. This year, however, KTM struggled to replicate that form. Binder, starting from 12th on the grid, managed to secure fifth place, emphasizing his effort and the improvements made.
“I can’t ask for more,” Binder said post-race, “I felt like I gave my absolute best from the beginning to the end. I really tried to make zero mistakes, get into good rhythm, and push to the end without overworking the tire.”
Despite falling short of a podium finish, KTM’s performance was notable as they positioned themselves as the leading non-Ducati team at the Red Bull Ring. Binder’s result was a positive for the team, and they hope to build on this with an upcoming private test at Misano with Dani Pedrosa, aiming to refine their bike ahead of the Aragon Grand Prix.
KTM team boss Francesco Guidotti reflected on the weekend’s events with a balanced perspective. “Overall, we have to take the good parts of the weekend,” he stated. “Brad was simply great. He didn’t make any mistakes and had a great start from the fourth row. He gave all he had.”
Guidotti also noted the contributions of Jack Miller and wildcard Pol Espargaro. Miller, who qualified fifth, was involved in a crash at Turn 2 but showed potential with his qualifying performance. KTM’s development efforts saw value in Espargaro’s 11th-place finish and successful Q2 entry.
“Moving from the microphone to the handlebar is not easy,” Guidotti acknowledged, “but the competitiveness of the bike is encouraging. We are working strongly, and I want to thank all the fans at our home race and all the company staff and management for their support.”
As KTM looks ahead, the team remains focused on improving their performance and achieving better results in the upcoming races.
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