Brad Binder: The Excitement of Being a Rookie in MotoGP
When Brad Binder joined the MotoGP circuit in 2020, he was already a highly rated rookie. Having won the Moto3 crown in 2016 and finishing runner-up in Moto2 in 2019, expectations were high for the South African rider. And he did not disappoint.
In his first race at Jerez, Binder showed podium pace and went on to score a historic maiden win for KTM just three rounds into his MotoGP career at Brno. But according to Binder, being a rookie in MotoGP was a different experience back then.
“I remember stepping into MotoGP and struggling at the first test,” he recalls. “And then I got to the first race and thought ‘I’m super fast’. And I ended up crashing a lot.”
But despite the challenges, Binder loved the excitement of being a rookie. He was racing against the riders he had looked up to and learning from them every step of the way. However, he also admits that it’s tougher for rookies now than it was for him.
“These days, it’s definitely tougher for the new crop stepping up,” he says. “But it’s still an adventure and always exciting to race against the best in the world.”
Acosta: A Potential Generational Talent
During a recent interview, Binder couldn’t help but heap praise on his KTM rookie stablemate, Pedro Acosta. The 19-year-old Spaniard has already made a name for himself in the MotoGP world, scoring a first podium in just his second grand prix in Portugal.
“Bud, I’ll tell you, when he passed me he was rolling,” Binder says. “He’s really special. When you watch him ride, you can see how good he is.”
Binder is not the only one who sees Acosta’s potential. Many in the MotoGP community consider him a potential generational talent. And Binder believes that what Acosta is doing on the RC16 is “really special.”
“The way he can control the bike and carry a lot of corner speed and pick it up nicely, he’s a real class act,” Binder adds. ”Hats off to him. He really deserves a podium.”
A Good Opportunity for KTM
While the emergence of a hotshot rookie can sometimes bruise the egos of established riders, Binder sees working with Acosta as a good opportunity for himself and for the KTM project.
“I think one of my biggest blessings as a rider is I’ve always had teammates who have really pushed me,” he says. “I’ve always had good teammates, and you can look at it as a blessing or a curse. But it’s always been really good for me.”
Binder believes that together, he and Acosta can continue to push each other and help the KTM project move forward.
Conclusion
Brad Binder’s experience as a rookie in MotoGP was filled with excitement and challenges. But he embraced it all and came out on top, proving himself as a talented rider. And now, as he watches the new crop of rookies stepping up, he can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and admiration for their journey.
As for Acosta, he continues to impress and show his potential as a generational talent. And for Binder, working with him is a blessing and an opportunity to push himself and the KTM project to new heights.
