Marco Bezzecchi
Brad Binder’s Portugal Grand Prix was a great example of what he can do when he’s at the front of the MotoGP pack.
The South African rider had a blistering start to the race in Portimao, jumping multiple positions and putting himself in contention for a strong result on lap one. KTM haven’t had too much to cheer this year, but Sunday was definitely a positive day for them.
Binder’s fifth place was his second-best result of the season, and a nice reminder of what he can achieve when given the right tools. Heading into the last round of the campaign at Valencia, he still has a chance of finishing in the top 10 of the MotoGP standings for the fifth year in a row.
Binder had a clash with Fermin Aldeguer that left him with damage halfway through the Portugal Grand Prix. Despite losing a wing, it didn’t hurt him too much.
As a result of his form, Binder is in ‘uncomfortable’ talks with KTM as they fear how dependable he is, after losing some confidence in 2025.
READ MORE: KTM boss Aki Ajo tells Brad Binder what ‘he needs’ to see amid questions about MotoGP future
KTM must keep Brad Binder for 2027 after ‘lethal combination’ produced great start in Portugal
Pedro Acosta has beaten Binder in every qualifying this season, and the Spaniard still doesn’t feel as though it’s one of his strengths. That’s a pretty damning assessment of his teammate’s skillset after 12 months together.
Recently, the RC16 has found more pace, helping Acosta to fight for trophies more often. Now, Binder’s ‘crucial’ target is podiums, otherwise, too much emphasis will be placed on one side of the garage to perform.
Peter Bom believes that Binder’s start in Portimao, where he gained six places in a matter of corners, was created by a ‘lethal combination’. He knows how to move that bike off the line, and that’ll be a handy trait for the new regulations in 2027.
It’s the sort of experience and skill that money can’t always buy, and is exactly why sticking with him for one more year would be a good idea.
“From 14th to 5th in the race,” said Bom. “That’s unknown of, except Binder has a habit of doing that. Binder is in a way, a little bit better [than] Bastianini.
“He has no clue what he’s doing on Friday, he’s in trouble on Saturday as well, by the skin of his teeth, sometimes makes it into Q2 or not, but then usually does on Sunday, a super race.
“First of all, the KTM, he really skipped two lines, he won six places at the start. Binder and the KTM is a lethal combination. It’s unbelievable.”
READ MORE: Brad Binder could face being a victim of KTM ‘dismissals’ after company ‘savings’ revelation emerges
Are there signs that Brad Binder is getting back to his best MotoGP form?
With four top 10 finishes in a row, there are signs that Binder might finally be starting to find some consistency on the KTM.
If he could qualify a bit better, he’d be in contention for podiums. The straight line speed of his bike is strong, which gives him a chance to overtake in Grands Prix, but now it’s time to find more over one lap.
Binder had ‘lost his way’ at KTM just a few weeks ago, but two top-five finishes in four races suggest that he’s back on the right track.
Another strong result at the season finale in Valencia would be the cherry on top of a solid end to the season, but he’ll be looking for more than he has achieved throughout 2025 in 2026.
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