‘Noticed clear progress’

Brad Binder is in an optimistic mood heading into the 2024 MotoGP season as he looks to improve on his fourth-place finish in last year’s riders’ standings.

His team, KTM, came second place in the constructors’ championship and the South African explained that key areas of improvement have been identified on the bike as well as in his individual performances.

Binder was speaking after three days of testing in Sepang, Malaysia, which served as crucial preparation for the season ahead.

“Last year, we started with some difficulties, but then we gradually recuperated, especially with our performance in qualifying. And we confirmed that development in Malaysia,” Binder said in a video press conference.

“There will definitely be something to review and improve, but I’ve already noticed a clear progress in terms of engine braking, now much easier to manage, rear grip, and entering corners.

“It would be important for me to take a step forward in qualifying, because not being up in front doesn’t help. I should also learn to manage the tyres differently, so as to reach the end of the race with a level of tyres that’s equal to or possibly better than that of our rivals. Already being able to do these two things would be a great help to me in being competitive.”

Binder spoke in more detail following Sepang testing after ending the three days strongly and taking plenty of lessons heading in the new campaign.

“In the time attacks, I struggled in the morning because of some problems on my RC16. But, in the afternoon, with the heat, I was fast, and this makes me confident for when I’ll have to go looking for a time on race weekends,” he revealed.

“We analysed several of them [findings from the tests] with numerous combinations. It always depends on what you want to achieve. Some change agility, others grip. Of course, we collected a lot of information that will be useful for the engineers.

“No one has stopped, and neither have we. Our ambition is to win on a regular basis, and I believe that’s possible.”

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