Brad Binder put his recent struggles behind him to secure a commendable 6th place finish during the Japanese MotoGP™ at the Motegi circuit. After starting from 5th on the grid, Binder banished the bad luck that saw him suffer a DNF in the Sprint race, launching a spirited charge that placed him solidly among the top riders. His teammate, Jack Miller, also showed impressive form, fighting back from a difficult qualification to finish 10th.
Binder’s Redemption
The South African rider showcased his resilience after a tough Saturday, where a technical issue cost him a podium finish. Despite the setback, Binder returned on Sunday determined to make an impact. His speed and potential were evident throughout the weekend, with Binder even taking P1 on Friday and starting the race from the second row. By Sunday, Binder’s focus was on tire management and consistency, allowing him to ride a largely solitary race in the top six, despite losing some rear tire grip in the final stages. His 6th place finish marks his eighth top-six result this season and moves him to 5th in the world championship standings.
Miller’s Effort
Jack Miller, starting from 14th, also had a strong race, making significant gains to finish 10th. Miller’s impressive start saw him overtake nine riders to reach 5th position early in the race. However, as the race progressed and tire wear became a factor, he settled into 10th place, securing a top-ten finish for KTM. Miller remains 15th in the championship standings, continuing to explore setup changes to improve his performance.
KTM GP Academy Success
KTM’s success extended beyond MotoGP™, as Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Jose Antonio Rueda put on a strong performance in Moto3™, finishing 5th. In Moto2™, Celestino Vietti also added to KTM’s points haul with a solid 7th place finish.
Looking Ahead
With the Japanese GP marking the end of a grueling triple-header that included races in Emilia Romagna, Indonesia, and Japan, KTM now looks ahead to more back-to-back races in Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Binder and Miller will be aiming for further success as the season heads into its final stages.
Post-Race Reactions
Brad Binder reflected on his race:
“In the beginning, when I wanted to push with the front group, I kept losing grip, but everything felt OK for most of the race. Unfortunately, with six or seven laps to go, my rear tire started to wear out, making it hard to keep the bike clean and consistent. It wasn’t the race I wanted, but it was all we had today.”*
Jack Miller added:
“We made some progress with the bike, and I got a great start. It was fun to be in the mix early on. We struggled with mid-corner and exit speed, but the front stayed solid all race. We have more work to do, but I’m looking forward to giving it another go in Australia.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager, Francesco Guidotti, commented:
*”Both Brad and Jack had a good start and showed strong form, particularly Jack, who made a big effort from the back of the grid. It was a tough race, but finishing in the top ten and close to the top five is a good result. Now, we look ahead to the next races.”*
Results – MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix
1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) Ducati – 42:09.790
2. Jorge Martin (ESP) Ducati +1.189
3. Marc Marquez (ESP) Ducati +3.822
6. Brad Binder (RSA) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +18.502
10. Jack Miller (AUS) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +31.184
World Championship Standings – MotoGP
1. Jorge Martin (ESP) Ducati, 392 points
2. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) Ducati, 382 points
5. Brad Binder (RSA) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 183 points
15. Jack Miller (AUS) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 66 points
KTM will now focus on the upcoming rounds at Phillip Island, Buriram, and Sepang, as they continue their push for strong results in the final leg of the 2024 MotoGP™ season.
