Miller: Darryn Binder Moto3 to MotoGP? You've got to take the chance
Jack Miller, the only rider on the MotoGP grid to have jumped straight to the premier-class from Moto3, says Darryn Binder has the 'balls' and 'skill' to make it work in 2022.
Binder, 23, younger brother of factory KTM rider Brad, is currently spending his sixth season in Moto3, where he has claimed a total of six podiums, including one win.
While his Sepang team is set to withdraw from the junior class after the loss of Petronas sponsorship, they also need two new MotoGP riders for 2022, with Valentino Rossi retiring and Franco Morbidelli poised for a switch to the official Yamaha team.
With few obvious candidates in Moto2, Binder's name continues to be linked with repeating Miller's 2014 switch from Moto3 to MotoGP.
"No, not a fan. Don't want anyone stealing my thunder… Only joking!" smiled Miller, when asked for his opinion on the Binder rumours.
"Sure, someone like Darryn Binder, if he's got the opportunity, why not? I think he's got balls, that's for certain. And he's got skill, that's for certain. So sure.
"As I've said multiple times, if you've got the [MotoGP] opportunity, if it comes knocking, you can't turn it away.
"Because that train only comes once or twice, some people don't even get it. If you do have the chance, you've got to take it.
"I think Darryn – it's completely different to what I did, because when I stepped up, I stepped onto the Open class Honda and had to build my way up like that.
"Whereas nowadays you can come in and, to be honest, you're getting on a pretty decent machine straight up, which is half the battle.
"So I think all power to him if it's going to happen. As I said, someone's stealing my thunder, but at least it'll take the pressure off me."
Miller, who was only 20 when he arrived in MotoGP, has made constant progress up the championship table since his arrival in the premier-class.
The Australian sensationally won a race in only his second premier-class season, in the wet at Assen, but it was his only podium during three seasons with Honda and he left for Ducati in 2018.
2019 and 2020 brought his first dry podiums and a factory Ducati team ride for 2021, where he has taken two victories so far this season.
If Darryn does rise to MotoGP next year, the Binders would join the Espargaro and Marquez brothers in the premier-class (which for this year only also has Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini).
"I've also heard the rumours, but I'd really love to have my brother on track with me, that's for sure," said Brad. "And if that could become a reality, that would become super super cool for us. I think it's quite a step, for sure, but I believe that he'll do a good job anyway."
