Brad Binder missed out twice on the podium in India. Picture: Getty Images
Red Bull KTM has a lot of work to do to get Brad Binder in a position to challenge for MotoGP’s ultimate prize.
Binder and his team were satisfied with two fourth places after starting the inaugural India MotoGP from the fifth row of the grid. But they still feel that they should at least have been on the podium at Buddh International Circuit.
After playing second fiddle to Ducati for most of the season, Binder twice lost out on the podium in India by manufacturers that has not had the best of campaigns. First it was to Marc Marquez’s Honda during the sprint race on Saturday and then Fabio Quartararo’s Yamaha in the main race on Sunday.
Ducati riders stood on the top two steps of the podium on both days. First it was Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia and then Marco Bezzecchi and Martin.
Binder’s teammate Jack Miller’s poor form continued with a seventh and 14th place.
“Two fourth places mean it has been a solid Indian GP for us,” Binder told the KTM website.
“It is clear what we need to improve for the future and hopefully for Japan.”
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Binder consolidated his fourth place in the MotoGP title race, but there is daylight between him and the top three. Bagnaia (292), Martin (279) and Bezzecchi (248) is separated by 44 points, with Binder 56 points adrift on 192.
Aleix Espargaro is 32 points behind Binder in fifth place.
“We couldn’t make the best of the technical package here so to come away with two fourth places mean we have to be happy,” said Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM’s team manager.
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“Of course, we should be more in front but the result today was okay. Being on, or as close to, the podium is our seasonal target. While you can always want better, now-and-then we have to be happy with a fourth.”
The Japan MotoGP, the 14th event of the 20-race season, takes place this weekend.
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