Marco Bezzecchi
Brad Binder has shared his optimism for KTM’s incoming upgrades following his test with them at Jerez after the conclusion of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Following the conclusion of the Spanish Grand Prix race weekend, the MotoGP grid remained in Jerez for the first of the premier class’s in-season tests.
Brad Binder thinks qualifying was his biggest weakness in 2025, change his mind
For a lot of riders, it presented an opportunity to test out some new upgrades to aid their quest in the current campaign, and also offered them a chance at testing out the early prototypes for MotoGP’s new era of regulations, which is set to shake up the grid next year.
In KTM’s case, they used the track time to refine some of the finer details of their latest upgrades. Factory star Brad Binder has shared his thoughts on the day.
- READ MORE: Brad Binder must accept his MotoGP career is over after hearing how Pit Beirer sees Maverick Vinales
Brad Binder explains KTM’s testing programme at Jerez
During his comments to the press following the conclusion of MotoGP’s in-season test at Jerez, Binder revealed his satisfaction with KTM’s latest developments.
The South African began by highlighting the Austrian manufacturer’s testing programme, saying via Speedweek, “We tested different fairings. The turn-in response in fast corners is a bit better with them, which is nice.
“We also tried different rear shock absorbers. This allowed us to smooth out the bike’s movements. We have a bit more control entering corners as a result, and it helps us on the exit as well.
“They’re two small changes in areas where we needed them. Now the guys have time to go through all the little things we tested. It’s about putting everything together now.”
Will Brad Binder be on the MotoGP grid in 2027?
The two-time Grand Prix winner was then asked if the upgrades are going to be available next weekend, when the MotoGP grid congregates at Le Mans for the French Grand Prix.
He replied, “I have no idea, but I assume so. The bike’s cornering behaviour is a bit better with it, in the middle and second half of the corner, where we’re currently losing a lot of time during race weekends. It doesn’t make us much faster, but it feels better.”
- READ MORE: Frustrated Pit Beirer highlights Brad Binder’s ‘brutal’ riding technique that he must abandon
Brad Binder must figure out his qualifying to save his career in MotoGP
If Binder’s optimism for KTM’s latest developments proves to be reflected in his results this year, it could be an integral player in the South African securing himself a ride on the MotoGP grid next year.
At the moment, he’s looking down the barrel of a premature exit from the premier class due to his inability to match the performances of his teammate, Pedro Acosta.
His main issue seemingly comes from his one-lap pace. During the 14 months he has partnered with Acosta at KTM, he has failed to outqualify the young Spaniard at every opportunity.
Qualifying has become somewhat of an ‘Achilles heel’ for Binder in MotoGP, according to pundit Neil Hodgson, but if he can sort himself out in that regard, it could be the difference between being on the grid next year or finding a ride elsewhere.
KTM are expected to field an all-new line-up for the premier class’s new era next year, and seats are filling up fast, despite a lack of concrete confirmation. A return to top form at the upcoming French Grand Prix would certainly help Binder’s chances.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
