Getting Binder back from South Africa 'not easiest thing'

Most MotoGP riders are currently in Europe, but rookie Brad Binder is among those that will need to navigate enhanced flight and immigration restrictions to reach July's proposed season-openers at Jerez.

The Factory KTM rider is presently at home in South Africa, thus joining Cal Crutchlow (USA), Takaaki Nakagami (Japan) and Jack Miller (Australia) in requiring entry to Europe for the opening round.

All have plenty of time on their side but arranging long-haul flights, connections and immigration (including possible quarantine) is no simple task in the 'coronavirus era' of constantly shifting rules and procedures.

"It's not the easiest thing, but we are already working to get Brad back to Europe and for sure there will be a way," KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer told Crash.net.

"We had one plan to fly through Qatar but this didn't work out. So it's not the most easy thing to get him back, but I think before the end of the month he will be at least in Austria, or Spain.

"We still have time, we are not in a hurry, but it's also time to start the process. For example, we need to send him a letter declaring that he is officially working for our company and should come back to do business.

"We will get Brad back and the whole team is just really happy to have this light at the end of the tunnel; that there could be a GP in Spain at the end of July. We are all hoping and aiming for that now and soon it'll be time to get people back, prepare material and get ready for that first race."

As of today (May 22), Binder remains in South Africa.