Tensions flared at the MotoGP paddock following the Motegi race, as Ducati rider Enea Bastianini openly criticized Brad Binder’s race strategy. The Italian rider voiced his frustration with Binder’s actions during the race, specifically pointing out how the Red Bull KTM rider became a roadblock as the race progressed.
In his post-race interview, Bastianini didn’t hold back his criticism, explaining how Binder’s pace dropped after just a few laps, causing a bottleneck in the race. “I don’t understand why he rides like that,” Bastianini said. “He knows that after two or three laps he’s slower, but he still blocks the line and forces the rest of us to lose time. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to push and you’re stuck behind someone who isn’t as fast as they were at the start.”
Bastianini’s frustration stems from a common problem in MotoGP races: riders who initially show strong pace but struggle to maintain it after the first few laps. While this is a natural aspect of racing, Bastianini’s comments suggest that Binder’s tactics may have compromised the flow of the race for other riders.
“I was faster in some sections, but every time I tried to overtake, he was holding me up. I understand everyone is fighting for their position, but at some point, you have to acknowledge that you’re not the quickest anymore and let the race play out.”
Brad Binder, a fiercely competitive rider, has yet to respond directly to Bastianini’s comments. However, it’s likely that the KTM rider was simply racing with the intent to defend his position and extract the maximum from his bike’s performance. Binder has made a name for himself with his aggressive racing style, often taking calculated risks to secure points, even when his pace isn’t as strong as his rivals’.
This isn’t the first time Binder’s racecraft has drawn criticism from fellow riders. Known for his resilience in defending track position, he’s built a reputation for being hard to pass, regardless of how much pressure is applied from behind.
As MotoGP continues its season, the rivalry between Bastianini and Binder could add an extra layer of intensity to upcoming races. With both riders fighting for crucial points in the championship standings, these kinds of on-track confrontations can easily carry over into future events.
Bastianini’s comments reflect the ongoing challenge in MotoGP: balancing aggression with sportsmanship. While Binder’s tactics may be frustrating for riders like Bastianini, they are part of the unpredictable nature of racing at this elite level.
As the dust settles from the Motegi race, all eyes will be on how both riders move forward. Bastianini will likely be more aggressive in future races when it comes to overtaking Binder, while Binder will no doubt continue his competitive approach.
For fans, the brewing tension adds another level of excitement to the remaining races of the season. Whether or not this exchange will lead to a more heated rivalry remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: both Enea Bastianini and Brad Binder are not willing to back down anytime soon.
