Binder battles back in Mugello: from Sprint crash to Sunday redemption

Brad Binder’s Italian Grand Prix weekend was a tale of two halves — despair on Saturday, redemption on Sunday.

After a bruising crash in the sprint race left his Red Bull KTM buried in the gravel at Turn 1, the South African rebounded with grit and composure, fighting through the field from 15th on the grid to ninth in the Mugello main event.

It was a defiant ride that salvaged pride and points on a circuit that demands perfection. But the result did little to lift him up the championship standings.

Now 13th overall, Binder’s 2024 campaign continues to unfold in a way few could have predicted at the season’s start. Early setbacks once again shaped the outcome of the weekend, with a disappointing qualifying position continuing a worrying trend.

Binder has struggled to consistently crack the top ten in recent rounds, as crashes and poor grid placements have undermined his ability to challenge at the front. Over the past nine race weekends — factoring in both sprints and full-length races — he has managed just 42 points and remains without a podium this year.

Now trailing his KTM teammate Pedro Acosta by 42 points, Binder would have been relieved just to see the chequered flag on Sunday — especially after Saturday’s collision with Johann Zarco ended a promising sprint effort prematurely and piled on the pressure ahead of the main race.

Sunday’s Grand Prix, however, offered a much-needed reset. The 29-year-old regained some composure, managing tyres and temperatures in hot, crowded conditions to bring his machine home safely inside the Top 10. Beyond points, he gathered crucial data — and perhaps more importantly, a measure of momentum.

“I got a decent start but didn’t really have the pace to go with the next group in front,” Binder admitted after the race.

“I knew it was important to make the rear tyre last until the end and also guard the front because it was very hot and I was surrounded by riders. I didn’t want it to tuck.

“It was a tricky race, and I’m glad to finish. It’s by no means what I wanted, but at least it’s a starting point. Importantly, I found out what we need to fix for next week, and if we can get a little bit more stability, it will be very beneficial.”

The former Moto3 champion will not have to wait long for another chance, with the Dutch TT at Assen coming up this weekend. For Binder, it represents not only another race, but an opportunity to finally reset a season that’s struggled to gain traction.