Winning The Czech GP, Binder Becomes The First South African Racer To Reign In The Premier Class

Brad Binder (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Brad Binder became the first racer from South Africa to win a race in the premier class. The victory he presented to KTM at the Czech GP on Sunday, August 9 evening was also the first since the Austrian team debuted in MotoGP in 2017.

Last year's Moto2 runner-up took just three races at the start of the season as a rookie rider to celebrate on the top podium. In Czech, he beat Petronas Yamaha riders Franco Morbidelli and Johann Zarco from the Esponsorama Racing team.

"Today is the most extraordinary day in my life so far. The day I dreamed of since my childhood. For this to materialize in my third grand prix it gave me goosebumps, honestly I can't believe it," said Binder as quoted by Antara, Monday.

Binder started the race from P7 and was able to keep his pace to attack in the second half of the race.

Ten laps remaining Binder cuts his distance from the race leader to 0.2 seconds. One lap later, Binder didn't waste a chance and overtook Morbidelli to lead the race with eight laps remaining.

"What a day. My team gave me a really incredible bike. My bike is working so well, I can't even explain it. Actually this really surprised me," explained Binder.

Binder revealed how the work of his team crew who were very persistent in developing the KTM motorbike, which was also helped by MotoGP legend Dani Pedrosa so far.

🏁 #MotoGP RACE! @ BradBinder_41 AND KTM WIN THEIR FIRST #MotoGP RACE !!! 🏆🥇👏 # Bradical | #CzechGP 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/JKvPKCpG0K

- MotoGP ™ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 9, 2020

"Of course (there is the role of Pedrosa) and also a very big team effort. The number of people working in my box gives goosebumps, it's crazy, I'm still not used to it," he said.

Binder has raced with KTM since Moto3 and Moto2 and felt the top podium in both classes, but this MotoGP victory feels very different.

"With Red Bull, with KTM, we have won in all three classes and I hope this will be the start of something extraordinary," said Binder.

Binder is now looking to the next battle when MotoGP next week visits the Red Bull Ring at home to KTM, Austria.

Sing along to the Brad Binder Song! 🎵 @ JohannZarco1 serenades @ BradBinder_41 in the post-race press conference 🎤 # CzechGP 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/Vt0Xtk5HQe

- MotoGP ™ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 9, 2020