Brad Binder completed 15 laps at the Sepang MotoGP test on Wednesday, finishing 1.188 seconds off the pace, a deficit nearly identical to his performance at the same test in 2025. Despite the lap time, the factory KTM rider expressed increased comfort and confidence with his RC16, now under the guidance of Phil Marron, formerly crew chief to Toprak Razgatlioglu.
“I wasn’t able to do a super prompt 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 perform we have done in the box over the last few days.”
Binder acknowledged a need for improvement in single-lap speed, an area where he struggled throughout the 2025 season, averaging 14th on the grid compared to teammate Pedro Acosta’s seventh. “I’ve got some work to do for sure!” he admitted.
The South African’s fastest lap of the test came during his final run, after assembling a package of preferred parts. However, he noted the set-up was still unfamiliar. “I felt a lot better. We basically put the good points that we found all together for the last run,” Binder explained. “But I was still trying to figure things out a little bit even as 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.”
Binder identified a need for improved turning performance. “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 travel a long way,” he said. “Everything is in a bit of a better situation than last year for sure. I think now, when the boys have these couple of weeks off, they can reach back to Thailand and we can maintain building.”
The change to Marron as crew chief followed a period where Binder felt “stuck in our ways,” according to recent reports. The switch was described as a move to introduce a fresh perspective and unlock further potential within the KTM team. A lack of “arguments” within the previous crew dynamic was as well cited as a contributing factor to the change, suggesting a need for more robust technical discussion.
Bastianini, meanwhile, has indicated satisfaction with the work Binder’s previous crew chief undertook during the Sepang test, suggesting a continuation of valuable development even amidst the personnel shift.
The final pre-season MotoGP test is scheduled for Buriram, Thailand, on February 21–22, immediately preceding the Thai Grand Prix season opener.
