Brad nails IRTA test in Spain with second-fastest lap time

Krugersdorp’s Brad Binder set the second fastest lap time as the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Tech3 KTM Factory Racing teams continued their work and relentless schedule with the first official mid-season IRTA test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in Spain ahead of round 7 of the 2022 MotoGP™ season.

The local impressed, securing the second fastest lap time of 1:37.294 and close on the heels of fastest lap timer and Frenchman, Johann Zarco of Pramac Racing with a time of 1:37.136. Click here for the official test results.

According to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, over 150 laps were clocked between Brad, Miguel Oliveira and Remy Gardner, as Raul Fernandez missed the test session due to a consequence of his injured right hand; the problem had forced his absence from the Grand Prix race the previous day. Brad marked his quickest time midway through his testing run although the South African also suffered a crash into Turn 7 due to the gusty conditions.

Brad, like his teammate, continued to refine the base set-up on the KTM RC16 for the rest of the 2022 season. He also experimented with a brand-new Akrapovic exhaust. Miguel trialled varying aerodynamic options while Remy’s work was prematurely ended after a fall left the strong Australian with a sore back and hand.

Brad said, “We tried a new pipe (today) and the guys can now go back and see the full extent of the difference. I liked the sound! Importantly the power delivery of the bike was a bit stronger but with the KTM RC16 we haven’t really lacked anything in that regard. We’ll keep working with it.

Otherwise we played with our base set-up and tried to improve rear contact with the braking point. I’m happy that we managed to make some progress.”

After six races in the 2022 season, Brad is now in eighth place on the MotoGP™ Championship table with 48 points.

MotoGP™ paused for a week before the SHARK Grand Prix de France at Le Mans on May 14 to 15.