Marco Bezzecchi
Brad Binder is currently on course for his lowest finish in MotoGP since his rookie season in 2020 this year. It has thrown his future at KTM into uncertainty.
The South African was the top KTM rider in 2024, finishing fifth in the standings with one podium. However, he has been outshone by teammate Pedro Acosta in 2025 as he struggles to find the right balance with the RC16.
All four KTM riders had difficulty with the bike at the start of the season, with each adopting different setups. Binder and Tech3 rider Enea Bastianini appeared to struggle the most, with the former failing to finish inside the top five thus far.
Pit Beirer admits KTM are not satisfied with Binder as he sits 11th in the standings. Binder is trying to ‘simplify the work’ to save his season, and potentially, his MotoGP career.
Binder has a contract with KTM until 2026, but his results in 2025 have led to doubts about his future prospects. According to The Race, he is under ‘significantly more pressure’ to secure his seat beyond 2026, and one Moto2 rider should give him cause for concern.
Brad Binder must be wary of Moto2’s David Alonso as his KTM future beyond 2026 is in doubt
Among the championship’s top riders, such as Manu Gonzalez and Diogo Moreira, David Alonso is attracting interest from the MotoGP paddock. The Colombian rider is in his debut season in Moto2, having recently won his first race at Balaton Park.
According to journalist Simon Patterson, Alonso is a name that ‘every factory will aim at’ come 2027. KTM are believed to be one of the teams interested in the young talent.
Asked where he thinks the Colombian could end up in 2027, Patterson said via The Race MotoGP Podcast: “I don’t know, and I think it’s far too early to make a decision, because it depends on other people as well.
“But he’s realistically a name that I think every factory will aim at. Every factory who has space, which I think will probably be four out of the five, potentially, with Ducati having a satellite seat that he’ll fit into.
“But I mean, he’s factory potential for KTM, for Honda and for Yamaha. I think he’s going to be that good, I think we’re going to see that next year.”
With Binder under pressure to keep his seat after 2026, he should be very wary of Alonso, who is beginning to make strides in Moto2. He is a serious talent for the future, and KTM will certainly not waste a chance to sign him.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Brad Binder from career stats to wife
Marc Marquez loves ‘great champion’ David Alonso – he wants him to come to MotoGP
The 19-year-old has received huge praise from top MotoGP figures. Marc Marquez was reminded of himself by Alonso after he won at Balaton Park last weekend.
The Colombian rider had a sensational season in Moto3 in 2024, winning a staggering 14 out of 20 races. After clinching the title, Marquez told Crash that Alonso was a ‘great champion’ and that he could not wait to see him in MotoGP one day.
“I’m in love with David, especially because he’s this kind of guy who is fast, super talented,” he said.
“But he has his feet on the ground, has charisma. So, I mean, he can be – and I think he will be, if I needed to bet – a great champion… he’s already a great champion, but an even better champion in the future. But now is time to just enjoy it, the kid needs time.
“Next year he will do some mistakes in Moto2, but don’t put a lot of pressure on him because he is super young. And I hope and I wish he can arrive at the top level in MotoGP.”
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