KTM chief spells out what Brad Binder needs to ‘realise’ to save worst-ever MotoGP season

Add as preferred source on Google

Brad Binder has found himself in the worst form of his career in the premier class, with the South African being absent from the podium since the opening race of the 2024 season.

The change in form has led journalists to believe that Binder is no longer KTM’s ‘golden boy’. He has struggled massively with rear grip throughout the last couple of campaigns, which has had an effect on his confidence in braking zones.

After securing a win in just his third MotoGP Grand Prix, Binder thought his career would be on a trajectory much different to the one he is currently on. He has managed just one win in the premier class since.

Binder has been assessing set-up options for his KTM bike, taking the approach of trying to maximise performance in what they already have to offer, instead of asking for upgrades like his teammate, Pedro Acosta.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Brad Binder from career stats to wife

Brad Binder has been trying to find improvements in himself by ‘simplifying the work’ in races

In the paddock ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix race weekend, Jack Appleyard and Louis Suddaby caught up with KTM boss Aki Ajo in MotoGP’s Preview show to get some insight on Binder during a season which could end up as his worst in the premier class so far.

“I think for Brad, it started a little bit already last year,” Ajo started. “A little last year, and then it was more challenging when this season didn’t start well.

“Becoming mentally also, many times. This blocked moment that is difficult to open. What I see now with Brad, in many races, is that we are simplifying the work a lot.

“There are maybe some moments that you really need to realise where you are, you simplify the work and then step by step, we can go back to normal again.

“I think we are now in those moments where we’re coming back to normal work, and I don’t say we’re making it complicated, but focusing more on details.”

The South African has been open about his struggles at KTM throughout his sixth year in the premier class. When asked to paint a picture of the current season in three words, Binder described 2025 as challenging, frustrating, and hard.

READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy

The Austrian Grand Prix has been a successful track for Brad Binder in the past

After returning from the summer break, the MotoGP grid now finds itself at the site of Binder’s last win in the premier class, which came during the 2021 season.

The South African picked his way through the riders ahead of him from a 10th-place grid slot to take his second win in the premier class, ahead of Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.

It has been a long slog for Binder to find himself back on the top step of the podium. The 30-year-old has secured nine podiums since, becoming agonisingly close with a handful of second-place finishes.

Binder is currently contracted to KTM until the end of 2026, and is going to need a drastic change in form before then if he intends to continue racing in MotoGP afterwards.

KTM boss Pit Beirer admitted that KTM aren’t satisfied ‘at all’ with what they’ve seen from the South African this season, no doubt adding to his motivation to improve results.