Binder was given two of the new RC16s for the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, following test rider Dani Pedrosa’s successful wildcard outing at Misano with the updated bike that signifies a shift away from KTM’s long-standing steel trellis frame philosophy.
The South African was immediately competitive, setting a new lap record in Friday practice and then emerging as Jorge Martin’s nearest challenger in the sprint race on Saturday, scoring his best result since August’s Red Bull Ring round in second.
