Brad Binder feeling good ahead of new seasons, aims to challenge top three

Johannesburg — The objective for Brad Binder is quite clear for both his supporters, team and himself: Challenge the top three as often as possible, where possible and when possible.

That is not merely an educated guess, or a pie-in-the-sky aspiration drummed up by those who have followed his career, but rather the frank assessment from the Red Bull KTM rider himself. Binder expressed this view yesterday while speaking to Independent Media; and while he revealed this particular ambition, he also expressed confidence that he now has the package to attack the 2022 MotoGP season, more so than last year.

“It was good to see that the pre-season testing was positive,” Binder said.

“We made some small steps forward from last season so I am going to (the season-opening race in) Qatar feeling a lot more confident than I have been in previous years ... Things have been good and I would really like to improve on my result from last year, but mainly I would like to be trying to fight amongst the top three week-in and week-out.

“I believe I can do it and I am sure the bike has made a good step forward. It is going to be much more competitive … The first race is always a bit up and down, but from thereon in when the races get underway, we can really get a good idea of what we need to improve and where we are at that point.”

Binder finished his second stint in the elite class sixth overall last season, and also claimed his second MotoGP victory with a courageous flag-to-flag triumph in Austria. Nevertheless, the 2020 Rookie of the Year and KTM in general, in many respects, had an underwhelming season as much more was expected from the Austrian team.

During the recently concluded pre-season testing in south-east Asia, Binder finished