Binder ‘super stoked’ with Qatar GP performance
South Africa’s Brad Binder finished second for MotoGP team Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix.
Italy’s reigning world champion and Ducati rider, Francesco Bagnaia, stormed into the lead in the opening lap of the race and held it until the end to win the race.
Polesitter Spain’s Jorge Martin of Pramac Racing had to settle for third.
Binder said he was "super stoked" after also finished second in the sprint.
"We knew it was going to be tough to get to the end. I tried to get so close to 'Pecco' (Bagnaia), but he did an unreal job; he didn't make one mistake."
Bagnaia played his ace card at lights out with a super-charged getaway from the second row to sail past the four riders in the blink of an eye.
Australian Jack Miller was the first casualty of the 2024 season, crashing his factory KTM on lap two.
With 14 of the 22 laps to go Bagnaia turned the screw, posting his fastest lap to go half a second clear.
The Italian was enjoying a sweet spot, rider and bike in total harmony, and his lead had doubled just two laps later.
Binder had the measure of Martin for second, with 19-year-old rookie Pedro Acosta running a superb fifth, harrying the man in front of him -- none other than six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez.
MotoGP's next port of call is Portimao for the Portuguese Grand Prix in a fortnight's time with Bagnaia leading the early championship standings on 31 points from Binder with 29 and Martin one point away in third.
*Additional reporting by AFP
