Brad Binder claims KTM's first ever Qatar MotoGP podium with second

Second place at the 2022 Qatar MotoGP makes Brad Binder the highest ever finisher for KTM at the Lusail International Circuit.

Robert Jones

06 Mar 2022

Brad Binder, Qatar MotoGP race, 6 March 2022
© Gold and Goose

Brad Binder has credited KTM’s much improved turning ability of the 2022 RC16 after claiming a first Qatar MotoGP podium.

While today's podium was Binder’s joint second best result at the Lusail International Circuit - claimed P2 during the 2016 Moto3 season opener - it was also the Austrian manufacturer's maiden podium in Qatar.

Binder, who started the race from seventh, catapulted himself into victory contention with the best start of any rider.

The South African called it 'unbelievable' after he went from P7 to third on the run down to turn one.

That’s despite not getting the best reaction according to Binder, who finished just three tenths away from eventual race winner Enea Bastianini following a late charge.

"Unbelievable start! I didn’t exactly get the best reaction but as soon as I started shifting gears I got pulled in really well to the guys in front of me," said a smiling Binder.

"To slip into third place straight away was a huge benefit. I was able to really stay calm at the beginning and be careful to protect the tyres because we knew it would be a bit on the limit, especially with the rear.

"There was a point in the race where we were doing high 4s (1m 54s) and I thought I could go with this, but then Pol [Espargaro] went to low 4s and I thought 'okay, I’m out of here then'.

"I just tried to stay as consistent as I could and pushed as hard as I could from the beginning.

"When Enea came past I had nothing for him, I tried my best not to over do it and not make any mistakes. Hats off to both guys here they did an incredible job. It was so difficult and the last two laps I pushed so hard to try and close up, but yeah, not quite enough."

When asked where the big gains have come from in order for KTM to challenge at a track that had previously been a bogey circuit, Binder was very clear, it’s 'turning'.

Binder said: "The bike turns [laughs]. Normally, especially last year; unless we were braking really hard then we struggled to get the front coming around at lean angle.

"Now I can release the front brake and carry so much more corner speed. It makes such a huge difference.

"It gives you so much more confidence because you don’t have to be on the limit at every corner."