Red Bull KTM rider Brad Binder has announced that he will remain with the Austrian manufacturer for at least three more seasons, signing an extension to his MotoGP contract that will keep him with the team until at least the end of the 2024 season.
Coming as somewhat of a surprise announcement given the timing, it’s nonetheless a very sensible move for both rider and team. Binder has been a member of KTM’s talent development program for essentially his entire Grand Prix career and cemented his place in the squad last year by taking both his and KTM’s first-ever premier class victory in his rookie season.
That’s a sentiment expressed by KTM motorsport boss Pit Beirer, who confirmed in the press release announcing the news that the decision to retain the South African was a simple one to make.
“This was a very easy contract for us to do because we love Brad as a racer and what he brings to the team, the factory and the MotoGP class,” said the former racer. “He was also very enthusiastic to make a big commitment to us and that says a lot for our progression and our potential in this championship.
“Sometimes you find a racer and a mentality that really fits with your own philosophy and the fact that Brad has come all the way to the top with us in a 10 year period is a very special story. We’re really proud to continue racing with him and to keep setting new targets together.”
A graduate of the Red Bull Rookies Cup, Binder then moved to the Moto3 class and joined the Red Bull Ajo KTM team in 2015. He won the title a year with the team before moving to Moto2 and then MotoGP,. It will mean that Binder will spend at least a decade of his career working up through the ranks with KTM.
“I’m super, super happy to have signed again for three more seasons with KTM and it will take us up to 10 years,” he said in a press statement.
“It’s incredible to have been with this manufacturer for such a long time now and we’ve always had a good relationship. I’m extremely happy in KTM colours so it’s extra satisfying to have a long contract signed up. It’s cool to have that belief and support from a company. It’s an honour.
“From here on we can focus on building ourselves towards the front. We are not terribly far away, and it would be really nice to do something great together. It’s exciting to see what these next years will bring.”
