Brad Binder extends contract with KTM
Brad Binder will remain on KTM’s RC16 until at least the end of the 2026 MotoGP season after signing a new deal during the Austrian Motorcycle Grand Prix – KTM’s home round. The 28-year-old has been part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing since he joined the premier class, and while he already had a contract with KTM in place for 2024, the new deal will keep the South African on an orange bike for the long term.
“A massive thank you to KTM and the management for trusting in me and for letting me be involved in this incredible program for a few more years,” Binder said after the new contract was signed. “We are coming very close to what we want to achieve on the track, but I cannot say enough good things about the team and my crew.
“Those first KTM races feel like a long time ago! But also, time passes quickly and we’ve made some special memories. I know there is a lot more to come and cannot wait to build those stories. Thanks again.”
Binder’s time with KTM dates back to 2012 when he made the switch from Aprilia in the 125cc/Moto3 class. Following two seasons with Suter Honda and Mahindra in Moto3 that yielded only one podium, Binder returned to KTM in 2015, joining Red Bull KTM Ajo. Results started to come that season and got even better in 2016, when he wrapped up the Moto3 World Championship with four rounds to spare. Binder then stepped up to Moto2 with KTM in 2017, achieving eight race wins and 15 podiums across three seasons. After narrowly missing the 2019 Moto2 title to Alex Marquez, Binder moved to MotoGP the following year with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.
At the Czech GP in 2020, Binder became the first MotoGP rider to win a race in their rookie year since Marc Marquez in 2013. That win was also KTM’s first since joining MotoGP in 2017. Binder’s second win came at a wet Austrian GP a year later, where his gamble on retaining slick tyres for a wet track paid off. This year, at the Argentine GP, Binder became KTM’s first sprint race winner under the new GP weekend format.
At time of writing, Binder’s most recent race win was in the Spanish GP sprint race in April, but he’s finished on the podium on multiple occasions this season, including a third place at the British GP and runner-up finishes in both the sprint and feature race at the Austrian round. Those results have been key to locking in what KTM calls “a key rider” in their future grand prix efforts.
“Brad is a rock of our team and it is great news that he will stay even longer with us,” said Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager. “We’ve been building a relationship and a project for a long time now. He brings a winning spirit to our box but also stability and an important understanding of KTM. He is always an exciting rider to watch and a fantastic guy to work with.
“I want to thank him for his belief in us and for how we’ve pushed together to this point so far. There is still so much potential to come.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director, added: “Keeping Brad at the sharp point of our MotoGP program was a big priority for us. We love everything about this guy: he is an all-out racer and leaves everything on the track. Brad is a valued part of the family and his character and the way he is around the box, the fans and the company makes him the ideal ambassador for us.
“We’ve already achieved and experienced so much together, and it makes us very proud that he wants to continue on our RC16 and stay in orange. We couldn’t be happier to put that #33 bike in the box for a few more years to come.”