Image Source: motogp.com
This is Part 2 about the secrets behind KTM's continued success in MotoGP this season. In this article, I would like to highlight the rider.
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◆ What is the Secret Strength of KTM's Break-through in MotoGP? | Part 1
KTM's treasured rider, Binder
As I mentioned in the Part 1 of this article, KTM's RC16 MotoGP machine has begun to outperform its rivals in its 4th year of the season.
On the other hand, Brad Binder, who appeared as a rookie in the MotoGP class this year, should also be recognized. The 24-year-old from South Africa began competing in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies' Cup in 2009. He then switched from GP125 to Moto3, and in 2016, he became the Moto3 class champion on a KTM motorcycle.
In 2017, the team stepped up to the Moto2 class and continued to compete with KTM. He finished 8th in the standings in his 1st year, 3rd in the following year, and in his 3rd year, 2019, he won 5 races to finish 2nd in the standings and move up to the highest class from 2020. And after only his 3rd race, this time it was a great achievement. Binder has been with KTM for most of his racing career, making him one of KTM's most treasured child, and despite his young age, he is a veteran of KTM.
Furthermore, in the off-season last year, he was coached by Dani Pedrosa (KTM test rider) and seems to have thoroughly learned the know-how to ride a MotoGP machine. Pedrosa's contribution is immeasurable in terms of nurturing younger generation riders.
KTMs fighting for the podium has become routine.
At the 6th round of the Styrian Grand Prix in KTM's home country of Austria, Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), from a KTM satellite team, won a close battle that lasted until the last lap. Pol Espargaro took a double podium in 3rd place after a tragic mistake in the race.
At the end of the 6th round, KTM has moved up to 3rd place in the manufacturer's standings behind YAMAHA and DUCATI. It is safe to say that KTM's abilities are now on par with the best factory teams in the world.
Marquez's absence, concessions in favor
But even so, anything can happen in a race. In fact, with absolute champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) sidelined by injury, some say that the power structure of the MotoGP class is not living up to its potential and that young, up-and-coming riders are starting to emerge as a force to be reckoned with. It seems that it has led to the development of a crash at the end of a too fierce battle, which should be called rough play of the last few battles.
Concessions have also worked in KTM's favor. In short, it's a preferential treatment that applies to new entrants from 2013 who have not won a race. Advantages are given in terms of the number of engines that can be used during the season, relaxation of homologation restrictions, test runs and the number of wildcards. That's why machine development proceeded at a rapid pace.
KTM and APRILIA had concessions this season, but KTM's concession has already disappeared with 2 wins this season. Next season should see them race in the same conditions as their strongest rivals.
