Brad Binder’s Journey: Narrowly Missing the Moto2 Title by Three Points and Rising as MotoGP’s Most Exciting Talent
The story of Brad Binder is one filled with passion, perseverance, and an unrelenting drive to achieve greatness in the world of motorcycle racing. Binder’s career, which started on the dusty tracks of South Africa, has seen him rise through the ranks to become one of the most exciting talents in MotoGP today. The culmination of years of hard work and dedication led him to the Moto2 Championship in 2019, where he narrowly missed out on the title by just three points. Despite the heartache, this setback paved the way for Binder to move up to MotoGP with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, where he continues to make his mark as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Early Beginnings: A South African Prodigy
Brad Binder’s journey to MotoGP stardom began far from the glamorous circuits of Europe. Born in Potchefstroom, South Africa, on August 11, 1995, Binder’s love for racing started at an early age. Growing up in a country not traditionally associated with motorcycle racing, Binder faced unique challenges, but his raw talent and determination quickly set him apart.
Binder began racing competitively as a child, with his early career spent on minibikes before moving into the more competitive world of circuit racing. His talent was evident from the beginning, and soon, he was competing in national and international events. At 16, Binder moved to Europe to pursue his dream of becoming a professional motorcycle racer. The decision was a bold one, as it required him to leave his home and family behind in pursuit of his passion. However, this move was pivotal in Binder’s development as a rider.
Climbing the Ranks: From Moto3 to Moto2
Binder’s breakthrough came in the Moto3 World Championship, where he made his debut in 2011. He initially struggled to find his footing in the highly competitive series, but by 2016, everything came together. Riding for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team, Binder dominated the 2016 Moto3 season, winning seven races and securing the world championship with four races to spare. His victory made him the first South African rider to win a world title in 36 years and set the stage for his move to Moto2.
In Moto2, Binder faced an entirely new set of challenges. The intermediate class featured faster bikes, tougher competition, and a steeper learning curve. Binder spent his first two seasons in Moto2 adjusting to the higher level of competition, but by 2019, he had established himself as one of the top riders in the field. Riding for the same Red Bull KTM Ajo team that had guided him to success in Moto3, Binder quickly became a title contender in Moto2.
The 2019 Moto2 Season: A Heartbreaking Near-Miss
The 2019 Moto2 season was a rollercoaster for Binder. Throughout the year, he demonstrated the speed, skill, and consistency required to win a world championship. However, the season did not start as smoothly as Binder and his team had hoped. KTM’s Moto2 bike was initially uncompetitive, and Binder struggled to match the pace of his rivals in the early rounds. Despite these setbacks, Binder refused to give up, and his perseverance began to pay off as the season progressed.
As the KTM engineers made crucial improvements to the bike, Binder’s performances improved dramatically. He started to climb up the championship standings, winning races and consistently finishing on the podium. Binder’s remarkable turnaround was a testament to his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and extract the maximum performance from his bike, even when it was not the fastest on the grid.
Heading into the final round of the 2019 season at Valencia, Binder found himself in a fierce battle for the Moto2 title. He had won five races during the season, including the final two rounds before the finale, and trailed championship leader Álex Márquez by just three points. The stage was set for a dramatic showdown.
At Valencia, Binder did everything he could to win the championship. He stormed to victory in the final race of the season, taking his sixth win of the year. However, Márquez finished second, securing the points he needed to claim the Moto2 title by the narrowest of margins—just three points separated the two riders in the final standings. It was a heartbreaking result for Binder, who had come so close to winning his second world championship.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the title, Binder’s performances throughout the season had firmly established him as one of the most exciting talents in the sport. His ability to turn a struggling season into a title-contending campaign did not go unnoticed, and it wasn’t long before he received a call from KTM’s MotoGP team.
The Move to MotoGP: Joining Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
In 2020, Brad Binder made the jump to the premier class of motorcycle racing—MotoGP. He joined the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, marking a new chapter in his career. Binder’s promotion to MotoGP was seen as a major milestone, not just for him, but also for South African motorsport. He became the first South African rider to compete in MotoGP since 2000, and there was a great deal of excitement and anticipation surrounding his debut in the top class.
Binder’s transition to MotoGP was challenging, as expected. The MotoGP bikes are more powerful, faster, and more difficult to control than those in Moto2. Furthermore, Binder was up against some of the greatest riders in the world, including Marc Márquez, Valentino Rossi, and Andrea Dovizioso. Despite these challenges, Binder quickly adapted to the new class and made a statement in just his third race.
At the 2020 Czech Republic Grand Prix in Brno, Binder delivered a stunning performance. Starting from seventh on the grid, Binder methodically worked his way through the field, overtaking seasoned MotoGP veterans with skill and precision. In the closing stages of the race, Binder took the lead and never looked back, crossing the finish line to claim his first-ever MotoGP victory. The win was historic, making Binder the first South African rider to win a MotoGP race and the first rookie to win a race in the 2020 season.
Binder’s victory at Brno was a defining moment in his career. It solidified his status as one of the most talented and fearless riders on the MotoGP grid. His aggressive yet calculated riding style, honed over years of racing in the lower classes, translated perfectly to the high-stakes world of MotoGP. Despite being a rookie, Binder showed that he could compete with the best in the world, and his future in the sport looked incredibly bright.
Continuing Success and the Future
Following his debut season in MotoGP, Binder has continued to impress with his performances on the KTM RC16. While KTM’s bike has not always been the most competitive, Binder’s ability to consistently fight for top positions has made him a standout rider in the field. His tenacity and never-give-up attitude have earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.
Binder’s 2021 and 2022 seasons saw him consistently battling within the top 10, and he continued to achieve podium finishes despite the stiff competition. His best moments came in races where he was able to manage tire wear effectively, make bold overtakes, and extract the maximum potential from his bike, even in difficult conditions.
Looking ahead, Binder’s future in MotoGP appears brighter than ever. With KTM continuing to develop its MotoGP project and Binder gaining more experience with each passing season, there is a strong belief that he has the potential to fight for the MotoGP championship in the coming years. Binder’s journey from Moto3 world champion to MotoGP race winner is a testament to his skill, dedication, and resilience.
A Champion in the Making
Brad Binder’s near-miss in the 2019 Moto2 Championship, where he lost by just three points, was a defining moment in his career. While the disappointment of missing out on a second world title was undoubtedly difficult to swallow, it ultimately propelled him to greater heights. His subsequent move to MotoGP with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing allowed him to showcase his incredible talent on the world stage, and his historic victory at Brno cemented his status as one of MotoGP’s most exciting talents.
Binder’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and a refusal to give up, even in the face of adversity. As he continues to push the limits in MotoGP, there is no doubt that Binder has the potential to achieve even greater success in the years to come. Whether it’s fighting for podiums, race wins, or a future world championship, Brad Binder’s journey is far from over—and the world of MotoGP will be watching closely as he continues to make his mark on the sport.
