Brad Binder Reveals KTM : Impossible Issue at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix

Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider, drew attention following the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello due to his candid remarks about a technical issue with his RC16 bike that was “absolutely impossible to deal with.” Despite showing competitive pace in practice sessions, Binder struggled to achieve a strong result in the main race.

Brad Binder, the South African rider, has been a cornerstone of KTM’s MotoGP program since his debut in 2020. Known for his aggressive riding style and overtaking prowess, Binder faces a challenging 2025 season with the RC16, which has yet to fully match the dominant Ducati machines. The Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, a 5.245 km circuit with 15 corners, was a critical test for Binder and KTM, especially after promising performances in free practice.

At Mugello, Binder displayed strong potential during free practice, consistently posting competitive lap times and running with the leading group. In the qualifying session on Saturday, June 21, 2025, he advanced to Q2, securing a second-row grid position. Binder expressed optimism about the RC16’s improved handling, particularly its stability in Mugello’s high-speed corners. However, he noted a minor issue with front-end grip that the team needed to address before the race.

In the Sprint Race, Binder encountered trouble on the opening lap due to an incident at Turn 1 involving several riders, including Johann Zarco. While avoiding a collision, he lost ground and finished outside the top positions. In the main race on Sunday, June 22, 2025, Binder started well, briefly contending with the front runners. However, mid-race, the front tire grip issue worsened, causing the bike to lose traction in critical corners. Binder described the situation as “absolutely impossible to deal with,” as the bike felt like it was “floating” during braking, forcing him to ease off to avoid crashing. Consequently, he finished outside the top positions, far below expectations.

In a post-race interview with Motogpnews.com, Binder elaborated, “We were really strong in practice, but in the race, the front tire just didn’t work the way we needed it to. It was impossible to deal with because when you push, the bike doesn’t respond, and you’re on the verge of crashing.” He noted that the issue was inconsistent, emerging unexpectedly during the race despite positive test results. Binder emphasized that the team was analyzing telemetry data to identify a solution before the next round.

The front tire grip issue Binder described likely stems from the interaction between the RC16’s setup and the 2025 Michelin tires. Mugello’s fast corners, such as Arrabbiata 1 and 2, demand precise braking stability, and the RC16’s failure to maintain grip suggests a weakness in aerodynamic tuning or weight distribution. Binder’s strong practice performance indicates KTM has made strides, but the race-day inconsistency highlights challenges in translating practice setups to full race conditions. Factors like Mugello’s high track temperatures may have exacerbated tire degradation, complicating Binder’s strategy.

Binder’s inability to secure a competitive result at Mugello underscores KTM’s struggle to challenge Ducati, which claimed the podium with Marc Marquez, Alex Marquez, and Fabio Di Giannantonio. While Binder’s teammate Pedro Acosta and Tech3 KTM rider Maverick Vinales showed better pace, Binder’s technical woes limited the team’s overall potential. The issue places additional pressure on KTM’s technical team to resolve the grip problem before the Sachsenring round, where different circuit characteristics could either amplify or mitigate the challenge.

KTM faces the task of aligning the RC16’s development with the 2025 Michelin tires, particularly in braking stability. Binder’s aggressive riding style requires a bike that maintains traction in high-speed corners without losing front-end feel. The team must also address the discrepancy between practice and race performance, potentially through adjustments to aerodynamics or suspension settings. Additionally, competition from riders like Vinales, who demonstrated stronger pace with the RC16, pushes Binder to adapt quickly.

The upcoming Sachsenring round in Germany offers KTM a chance to address these issues, with Binder and the technical team focusing on setup tweaks to enhance front tire grip. Binder remains optimistic, stating that Mugello’s data will guide the team toward a solution. Vinales’ strong practice performance at Mugello suggests the RC16 has potential, provided technical issues are resolved. With 13 rounds remaining, KTM has time to refine its package and challenge Ducati’s dominance.

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