KTM has reaffirmed its commitment to Brad Binder, despite challenging season that had some questioning his future with the team. Instead of considering a replacement, KTM quickly dismissed any speculation and made a clear decision to retain Binder.
In a shift within the team, Jack Miller will make way for Pedro Acosta, who will join Binder in the 2025 MotoGP rider line-up as a factory KTM rider.
“Acosta is undoubtedly a huge talent. But that doesn’t mean we are excluding Brad,” said Hubert Trunkenpolz, board member of Pierer Mobility Group, speaking to GPone.
Trunkenpolz emphasized that Binder’s difficulties this year were largely due to a series of minor setbacks. “Brad has been really unlucky this year; so many little things have gone wrong with him. But we don’t abandon a rider in a situation like this.”
He reiterated KTM’s belief in Binder’s capabilities, noting his consistent speed and potential to win MotoGP races. “He has shown that time and time again with us – in all three GP classes.”
Binder, who was a title contender last season and the best-performing non-Ducati rider, finished fourth in 2023. However, he has struggled to maintain that form this year. After a promising start with a second-place finish in the season opener in Qatar, Binder has seldom been a frontrunner.
KTM acknowledges the need for technical adjustments to better suit Binder’s riding style. “At the moment, a few things are not fitting together technically with Brad, so we have to help him a bit with the bike,” Trunkenpolz explained. “We have gone in a direction with his bike that has helped him on the traction side. But no longer gives him the feeling at the limit that he needs for top results.”
While teenage rookie Acosta has been KTM’s standout performer this season, Binder has faced difficulties adapting to the RC16 in recent rounds, including a fall from the lead during the Catalunya sprint.
Despite these challenges, KTM remains confident in Binder’s abilities and is committed to supporting him through technical improvements to regain his competitive edge.
Leave a Reply