Brad fights back to fifteenth in the French GP Sprint Race

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder managed to regain almost ten positions at the start of the 13-lapper Sprint Race in Le Mans today and ended a dramatic two first days of the Grand Prix de France in 15th.

MotoGP arrived to the hallowed and grippy curves of Le Mans to be pleasantly greeted by hot spring sun and early summer temperatures. The grandstands were packed around the 13-corner course as France buzzed to the roar of the series once more after hosting the championship’s 1000th Grand Prix in 2023 and hosting record-busting attendances.

On Friday Brad had frustrations with three slow-speed tumbles and had to negotiate Q1 on Saturday morning. The South African pushed hard after an early issue limited his track time but could not join his teammate in the next session, taking 22nd on the grid.

The French GP Sprint spun for 13 frantic laps around Le Mans and at the hottest part of the day. Brad had plenty of work to do from the rear of the grid and attacked hard reaching 13th place until front tire temperatures affected his general speed and forced errors. He finished 15th.

MotoGP will charge around Le Mans for 27-laps at 14.00 on Sunday.

Brad Binder
22nd in qualification, 15th in the Sprint

“I just couldn’t get going in the Sprint after a decent start. I made a few mistakes and had a lot of front ‘locking’. I went off the track at one point. It was a struggle. It was important to collect some data for tomorrow because I felt great on Friday…but kept crashing! It was crucial not to do that again today. We found something that gives us a good idea for the race. I’m looking for tiny things, and tiny differences will go a long way at the moment.”