Binder ‘More Comfortable’ Despite 15th in Sepang MotoGP Test

Sepang, Malaysia – Brad Binder and the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team emerged from the first critical MotoGP test days at the Sepang International Circuit with a cautiously optimistic outlook, despite the South African finishing 15th overall. The result, 1.188 seconds off the pace, mirrors his deficit from the same test in 2025, but Binder insists a significant shift in comfort and confidence aboard the RC16 bodes well for the upcoming season.

The key to this improved feeling appears to be the integration of Phil Marron, formerly Toprak Razgatlioglu’s crew chief, into Binder’s team. While a blistering lap time eluded him during the three-day test, Binder emphasized the ease with which he was able to approach his riding. “I wasn’t able to do a super fast lap time by any means, but I felt more comfortable on the bike, and the lap time was coming easier,” Binder stated. “So in general, I’m quite happy with the work we have done in the box over the last few days.”

Binder’s comments are particularly encouraging given his struggles with single-lap pace in 2025. He averaged a 14th-place grid position, significantly lower than teammate Pedro Acosta’s seventh. Improving qualifying performance is clearly a priority. “I’ve got some work to do for sure!” Binder acknowledged, recognizing the need to translate his newfound comfort into faster times during time attack sessions.

The final run of the test proved productive, as Binder pieced together a package of parts that showed promise. However, he admitted that even with the improvements, he was still refining his understanding of the new setup. “I felt a lot better. We basically put the good points that we found all together for the last run,” he explained. “But I was still trying to figure things out a little bit while I was going around. So I think once we have a bit of time [with the same parts and set-up], hopefully I can find that last bit.”

Specifically, Binder identified turning as an area for potential gains. “I actually felt pretty decent at the end. I think we could definitely use a little bit more turning and if we could find that I think we could go a long way,” he said. Despite the areas for improvement, the overall sentiment is positive. “Everything is in a bit of a better situation than last year for sure,” Binder added.

The Sepang test served as a crucial opportunity for KTM to evaluate modifications to the RC16 prototype, with a comprehensive worklist aimed at preparing for the 22-round 2026 season. Pedro Acosta led the KTM charge, finishing eighth just eight tenths of a second off the fastest lap. Enea Bastianini secured tenth place, while Maverick Viñales finished closely behind in fourteenth, demonstrating a collective step forward for the Austrian manufacturer.

The test wasn’t without its challenges. Rainfall disrupted the second day of testing, but the track conditions were generally favorable for evaluating new aerodynamic, chassis, and set-up options. The team focused on back-to-back comparisons of different components, as well as race and sprint simulations, utilizing the available soft tire options.

Key decisions regarding component homologation, particularly in the area of aerodynamics, are now on the horizon. The team will use the next two weeks to analyze the data collected at Sepang before heading to Buriram, Thailand, for the final pre-season test on February 21-22. The Thai Grand Prix, the season opener, will follow immediately after, making the Buriram test even more critical.

Binder’s optimism is tempered by the understanding that translating comfort into outright speed remains the ultimate goal. The team’s ability to capitalize on the progress made in Sepang, and to further refine the RC16’s performance in Buriram, will be pivotal as they prepare to challenge for podiums and victories in the 2026 MotoGP season.