MOTOGP BREAKING: Brad Binder To Partner Espargaro at Red Bull KTM for 2020

KTM Moto2 rider – Brad Binder will partner Pol Espargaro in the Red Bull KTM squad in MotoGP for 2020.

There was much speculation as to who would get the ride in 2020 alongside Spaniard Espargaro once Johann Zarco – who was contracted for 2020 – asked to have his contract terminated after a difficult season with the squad. This left KTM seeking a rider from either the Tech3 Team or within Moto2.

South African Binder had originally signed to KTM’s satellite team Tech3 for 2020, alongside former Moto2 team-mate Miguel Oliveira. Both had been in the frame for the ride alongside Espargaro for 2020 but both seemed to be pushed aside. As last minute rumours linked – 2020 Moto2 Ajo rider – Iker Lecuona to the seat.

However, KTM have decided to place 24 year old Brad Binder into the Red Bull KTM seat, while Iker Lecuona will now partner Miguel Oliveira in the Tech3 KTM squad.

A New Dawn

“Brad is a rider that has made his way through the KTM structure and we have no doubt whatsoever that he can walk into the Red Bull KTM team and keep showing that same style and never-give-up attitude we have seen for a long time”.  – Pit Bierer

Brad Binder has been part of the Red Bull KTM programme since his Moto3 title winning year with the Ajo Team and is well liked within the KTM family.

A sentiment that is echoed by Pit Beirer, Red Bull KTM Motorsport Director – “Brad is a rider that has made his way through the KTM structure and we have no doubt whatsoever that he can walk into the Red Bull KTM team and keep showing that same style and never-give-up attitude we have seen for a long time”. 

“Personally I am happy to work with a young and talented rookie like Iker. This is the way to go for the future and we have seen that the same approach has brought some success to other teams. We have the technical support and we have the right people onboard. I believe we will take a big step next year with both Miguel in his second year and Iker keen to show us what he can do.” – Herve Poncheral

Iker Lecuona at the age of 19 will become the youngest rider in the MotoGP field in 2020. Although only having 2 podiums to his name, the former Motocross racer will a lot of backing behind him from KTM and Tech3 KTM, Team Principal – Herve Poncheral – “Personally I am happy to work with a young and talented rookie like Iker. This is the way to go for the future and we have seen that the same approach has brought some success to other teams. We have the technical support and we have the right people onboard. I believe we will take a big step next year with both Miguel in his second year and Iker keen to show us what he can do.”

KTM have made strides in 2019 with their engine and chassis. Pol Espargaro has shown that on many occasions the bike can be a Top 7 contender and has regularly qualified inside the Top 10, narrowly missing out on pole at Misano.

The bosses at KTM are fully focused on taking the manufacturer to the front of the MotoGP grid. Already disbanding their Moto2 efforts to focus more on the premier class. There is a quiet confidence from the Austrian marque as they have 3 young, fast riders in the Factory and satellite Tech3 Team to partner the experienced hand of Pol Espargaro and push KTM to the front of the grid.