Krugersdorp’s Brad Binder doubled up with podium finishes at a hot Chang International Circuit in late October and took part in a magnificent Sunday race that saw the 2023 Thai Grand Prix deliver the fourth closest podium finish in the history of the sport.
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider fought for the lead and finished in third by the slimmest of margins. Brad’s ninth MotoGP podium means he becomes the most successful premier class rider ever from South Africa.
“I tried my best today and left nothing on the table. I wanted to keep as much rubber as I could while I was behind Jorge Martin. I saw my opportunity and tried to go but a lap later that was it for my rear tire. We did what we could. My team did a terrific job and I’m sure the win is coming.”
After the upheaval for the MotoGP class in Australia the previous weekend (the Saturday Sprint was replaced by the full-distance race due to the inclement weather forecast and cancellation of the Sunday agenda at Phillip Island), the Chang International Circuit provided a return to normality. Even though Red Bull KTM Factory Racing was able to watch Brad notch a sixth podium of the season in the Saturday Sprint and absorb critical tire data in race conditions for the Sunday 26-lapper, the insufferable heat meant a demanding and difficult scenario, similar to what the teams and riders had encountered in India and Indonesia in recent events.
On Saturday, Brad and teammate Jack Miller launched from fifth and 15th slots on the grid but with full knowledge that tire preservation would be key to race pace throughout the 26-lap chase. Both RC16s started well and it was Brad who hovered with the leaders in the opening stages. The South African moved up from fifth to second and then closed a small gap to the back of Jorge.
When Francesco Bagnaia joined the pair, a three-way tussle for the win took place. Binder grabbed the lead briefly and then smothered the rear wheel of Martin through the final lap. He almost slid out on Turn 4 and the incident took the #33 marginally onto the green track limits. Although Brad crossed the line just 0.11 of a second behind Jorge he was demoted to third spot. The trophy still represented the ninth of his career in the premier class – all with the KTM RC16 – and the fourth of the season. Jack had a harder time trying to manage optimum traction and drive grip. The Australian was able to make the flag in the 16th.
Brad continues to occupy fourth in the world championship standings and needs 61 points to be able to displace Marco Bezzecchi for the top three with only a maximum of 75 left to go this season. Jack is 10th as the Aussie nears the end of his first term in MotoGP orange. The team is currently ranked fourth and KTM is the second-best manufacturer.
After a well-earned break, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will join their peers at the Sepang International Circuit for the Malaysian Grand Prix from November 10 to 12.
