Brad Binder believes that Ducati’s factory MotoGP riders currently have a slight edge of “a couple of percent” in additional speed over their rivals, ready to be utilized when needed.
Continuing his momentum from the end of last season, where he frequently contested for podiums, KTM’s Binder had a strong start to the 2024 campaign.
The South African secured second place finishes in both the sprint and the grand prix at Qatar last weekend, leaving the Losail event satisfied with the progress his KTM team made from Saturday to Sunday.
Although he believes he is nearing the ability to win a grand prix again for the first time since 2021, Binder acknowledged in Qatar that it seemed like Ducati’s factory riders have some margin in terms of pace when they need it.
“Similar to last year, we are very close but haven’t demonstrated it yet,” Binder stated.
“For me, I feel like I’m constantly pushing at one hundred percent, and it seems they have a few percentage points in reserve when they want to deploy it.
“So, I’m eagerly awaiting this final bit of assistance, and then we’ll make another attempt.”
Binder last claimed a grand prix victory at the 2021 Austrian GP, a memorable race where he bravely remained on slick tires on a wet track in the closing laps to secure his second premier class win.
Since Miguel Oliveira’s triumph at the Thailand GP in 2022, KTM has been without a grand prix victory, although Binder did secure two sprint race wins last season.
Despite this victory drought, Binder remains confident that with the support of the team at KTM, it’s only a matter of time before they taste success again.
“I believe that having such a strong team behind me, it’s just a matter of time before we find the winning formula,” Binder expressed regarding KTM’s chances of winning again.
“I’m convinced that another victory is just around the corner.”
Following his impressive performances at the start of the 2024 season in Qatar, Binder enters this weekend’s Portuguese GP in second place in the championship standings, trailing leader Francesco Bagnaia by just two points.
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