Binder: Ducati “has a couple of percent in pocket” to use over MotoGP rivals
Carrying forward his form at the end of last season where he was a regular podium contender, KTM’s Binder made a strong start to the 2024 campaign. The South African finished runner-up in both the sprint and the grand prix in Qatar last weekend, and left the Losail event pleased with the step his KTM team had made from Saturday to Sunday. While he still feels close to being able to win a grand prix again for the first time since 2021, Binder admitted in Qatar that it felt like Ducati’s factory riders had margin to play with in terms of pace when they need to.
“I think same as last year, we’re super close but we haven’t shown we can do it yet,” Binder said. “For me, I feel like I’m a little bit pushing at one hundred [percent] all the time and I feel like they have a couple of percent in the pocket when they want to use it. So, I’m waiting for this last little bit of help and then we’ll try again.”
Binder hasn’t won a grand prix since the 2021 Austrian GP when he famously stayed out on slicks on a wet track in the final laps to claim a heroic second premier class victory. KTM has had to go without a grand prix victory since Miguel Oliveira’s Thailand GP success in 2022, though Binder did win two sprints last year. Despite this drought, Binder remains convinced that having the group behind him at KTM means winning again is only “a matter of time”.
“I think that having people like that behind me, it is only a matter of time before we find the key,” Binder said of KTM winning again. “I think it’s just a matter of time before we win again.”
After his strong start to the 2024 campaign in Qatar, Binder comes into this weekend’s Portuguese GP sitting second in the championship and just two points from standings leader Francesco Bagnaia.
Resume:
Binder, after a strong start to the 2024 season, feels like Ducati has an edge over MotoGP rivals with a couple of percent in the pocket. Despite not winning a grand prix since 2021, Binder is confident that KTM is on the right track to success. Sitting second in the championship, Binder is determined to challenge Francesco Bagnaia for the top spot.
The Key MotoGP Change That Has Gone Under the Radar in 2024
The MotoGP world is abuzz with excitement as the 2024 season kicks into high gear. While many changes have been widely discussed and debated, there is one key change that seems to have slipped under the radar. This change has the potential to shake up the entire championship and redefine the way teams approach race strategy.
In the past, refueling during races was a common practice in MotoGP. Teams would carefully calculate fuel consumption and pit stops to ensure their riders had enough fuel to finish the race. However, in 2024, refueling has been banned in MotoGP races. This seemingly small change has far-reaching implications for teams and riders alike.
Without the option to refuel during a race, teams must now carefully manage their fuel consumption from start to finish. This means that riders will need to adjust their riding style to be more fuel-efficient, while teams will need to strategize on when to push and when to conserve fuel. The ban on refueling adds an extra layer of complexity to race strategy and could lead to more unpredictable outcomes.
One of the key implications of the refueling ban is the impact on tire management. With teams no longer able to refuel, they must now consider the added weight of a full fuel tank when planning tire changes. This could lead to more conservative tire strategies or force teams to take more risks to gain a competitive advantage.
Overall, the ban on refueling in MotoGP races is a subtle yet significant change that has the potential to shake up the championship standings. Teams and riders will need to adapt quickly to this new reality and find innovative ways to gain an edge on the competition. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this change plays out on the track.
Summary:
The ban on refueling in MotoGP races for the 2024 season has gone relatively unnoticed but has the potential to have a major impact on race strategy and outcomes. Teams and riders will need to adjust their approach to fuel management and tire strategies to stay competitive in this new era of MotoGP racing. Stay tuned as the season progresses to see how this change shapes the championship standings.
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