SA's Binder back on the MotoGP podium after heroic ride at Japanese GP: 'I pushed hard'

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Brad Binder was a man on a mission during Sunday's MotoGP race in Japan.

The South African started the race in third behind Marc Marquez (Honda) and Johann Zarco (Ducati). Of the three front-row starters, only Binder finished on the podium, with Marquez fourth and Zarco 11th.

The Japanese Grand Prix was the 16th round in the 2022 championship, and the Motegi circuit also became the second venue of the year where Binder could match his best result of the season.

"Great results here in Motegi and starting from the first row meant that we had another good and improved qualification," said Francesco Guidotti, Red Bull KTM Team Manager.

"When we begin a race from the first rows, we know we can show our potential. Brad took the opportunity to go for the podium: an amazing job."

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And that's what he did, leaping to the front once the lights went out and leading the field after Turn 1. Unfortunately for Binder, Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) was just too quick and charged passed the South African to become the new race leader.

The rest of the race saw Binder staving off challenges from the riders around him, but managed to secure second with a brilliant overtake on Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) through Turn 1 on the final lap of the race.

"I'm really, really happy to be back on the podium today. I pushed as hard as I could right from the beginning," said Binder.

"I had a few moments with the hard rear tire, and it took me a while to find my confidence, but in the end, we made a good choice because I became more comfortable and could find my braking markers better.

"It was so difficult to pass Jorge,