- Brad Binder was left buzzing after a sixth-place finish, putting points on the board as the MotoGP 2026 campaign burst into action on Saturday morning at the Thailand Grand Prix.
- With that result, Binder secured four valuable points in what promises to be a gruelling and fiercely contested season.
- In Sunday’s main race, Binder will launch from 11th on the grid following a challenging qualifying session.
Brad Binder was left elated after securing important first points of the season as the 2026 MotoGP campaign burst into action with the Sprint race at the Thailand Grand prix on Saturday morning.
The Red Bull KTM rider had to grind through a scorching Saturday at the ultra-competitive Chang International Circuit in Buriram during the season’s opening Sprint.
He fought his way to sixth place, crossing the line ahead of Joan Mir and Fabio Di Giannantonio.
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With that result, Binder pocketed four valuable points in what promises to be a grueling season. It is exactly the kind of start he needed to prove his worth and chase redemption after a brutal 2025 campaign.
Brad Binder elated after perfect start to MotoGP 2026
Reflecting on his strong beginning to the year, the South African did not hold back his enthusiasm, while also tipping his hat to teammate Pedro Acosta, who enjoyed a dream start by claiming victory.
P6 in today’s Sprint. Good points on the board and a solid way to start the season. Feels good to be riding the way I want to again. Ready for 26 laps tomorrow. Hats off to Pedro Acosta and the team for his first win today ,” Binder shared on social media.
It’s a much-needed boost for Binder, who has his sights set firmly on podiums this season as he looks to rebuild trust with KTM especially with his current deal expiring at the end of the year.
The 2016 Moto3 world champion has not finished inside the top three since the opening round of 2024, and his last premier class victory dates all the way back to 2021.
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Last season, a solitary fourth place was the highlight as he limped to 11th in the standings-his worst result since his rookie year in 2020.
Binder teammate Acosta wins Thailand Sprint
It was, however, a double celebration for KTM, as Pedro Acosta stormed to victory in the Thailand Sprint.
The Spaniard clinched his first MotoGP win of any kind and delivered KTM’s first Sprint triumph since Binder’s success at Jerez in 2023.
Acosta had to go toe-to-toe with reigning world champion Marc Marquez, who seized the lead after pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi crashed out on lap two.
Marquez led the entire 13-lap distance, until the final lap drama.
Acosta’s only real chance came at the last corner, but Marquez repeatedly shut the door on the exit and beat him to Turn 3.
On the penultimate lap, though, Acosta finally made a move stick at Turn 6 after Marquez lost the rear at Turn 5 and ran wide.
The Ducati man fought back at the final corner, making light contact with Acosta and forcing him off track.
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The stewards’ investigated the incident, and Marquez received a one-place penalty which he served before the final corner on the last lap.
Marquez swung wide at the final bend, hoping to carry more speed and edge out Acosta at the line, but it was not enough. Acosta held firm to take the flag.
Now Binder’s mission is clear: pile on more points in the main race on Sunday morning at 11:00 am. He will roll off from 11th on the grid after a tricky qualifying session on Saturday.
If he can beat the odds and push forward, it will go a long way in building momentum for the long season ahead.