Marco Bezzecchi
KTM are now having doubts about their 2027 factory line-up, which could offer a lifeline for Brad Binder.
The Austrian manufacturer are faced with losing their star rider, Pedro Acosta, at the end of the 2026 season, as he looks to have signed for Ducati. Pit Beirer is not giving up on Acosta staying at KTM, but the reality is that he is already out the door.
Predict the order of the KTM riders in the 2026 MotoGP standings
With the MotoGP rider market moving quickly for the 2027 season, the team have had to act to secure their riders. Alex Marquez is set to join KTM from Gresini, fulfilling his desire to be a factory rider.
It was widely reported that Maverick Vinales would be promoted from Tech3 to the factory team in 2027, partnering with Marquez. The move would see Binder lose his seat, but KTM are now having a change of heart.
KTM have put Maverick Vinales’ factory contract ‘on hold’ after poor 2026 start
After the opening two races of 2026, it is clear to establish Acosta as the lead KTM rider. Winning the Sprint in Buriram, the Spaniard has been the only one to extract top performance from the bike.
With Jorge Lorenzo alongside him, Vinales was expected to have a strong start to 2026, given the progress he made on the RC16 in 2025. However, Top Gun is without a point after the first two races, finishing P16 in Thailand and P18 in Brazil.
The 31-year-old is now in a tough situation, as he cannot find a rhythm on the bike and is struggling to be competitive. There are now rumours that Vinales’ partnership with Lorenzo is cooling down after the latter did not attend the Brazilian GP.
Jorge Lorenzo thinks Maverick Vinales will beat Pedro Acosta in 2026 👀 Who do you back to win the battle?
To add insult to injury, a report from Motorsport is now stating that KTM have put Vinales’ 2027 factory contract ‘on hold’. His poor start to 2026 have left the team in doubt about their line-up and have ‘requested more time’ to think about their options.
It is a huge positive for Binder, who believed he was surplus to requirements at KTM beyond 2026. With the team assessing their riders further, it gives the South African more time to secure his future in MotoGP.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Maverick Vinales from career stats to net worth
Brad Binder is ‘completely lost’ at KTM in 2026
After being battered by Acosta in 2025, Binder was in desperate need of change. KTM have brought in a new crew chief for the South African rider, and he is keen to improve his fortunes, particularly in qualifying, after losing 22-0 to his teammate last year.
Binder had a strong weekend in Thailand, finishing sixth in the Sprint and seventh in the Grand Prix. However, Goiania was a struggle, crashing on Sunday and failing to score any points.
He is ninth in the standings heading into the Americas Grand Prix, making him the second-highest-ranked KTM behind Acosta. However, his struggles are still there, with Binder being ‘completely lost’ with new crew chief Phil Marron.
With Vinales’ promotion in doubt, Binder has an opportunity to land the seat instead. But he must turn his own form around and get close to Acosta if he wants to stay in MotoGP.
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