Binder: We have what it takes to fight amongst that podium battle

Brad Binder and Red Bull KTM could be helped by Michelin bringing a different front tyre option to this weekend’s Austrian MotoGP. 

The RC16 is notoriously known for preferring a harder front tyre which is exactly what Michelin are bringing - should therefore favour the South African as he looks for a first MotoGP podium of 2021. 

While there’s no guarantees until free practice begins and Binder can actually test the tyre, improvements to ‘corner entry’ is what the 26 year-old is hoping for. 

Binder said: "Well at the moment we are getting a harder front tyre option, but whether it’s going to work or not for us remains to be seen. 

"It is true that we are missing support in the front and it’s very difficult for us to brake because we have a lot of front locking. 

"Whenever we need to flick into the corners we don’t quite have the support. It’s making it really difficult for us to use the strongest parts of our bike which is corner entry. 

"So looking at the weekend, it’s going to be interesting to see if we can make the harder tyre work. In the past we’ve always benefited from having a harder tyre."

Binder completed yet another stunning race performance last Sunday as he charged through from 16th to fourth for the team’s home round.

And while Binder doesn’t have a true home grand prix himself, clinching a first podium of 2021 in Austria would be ‘as good as it’s gonna get’. 

"Definitely, for me I don’t have a home grand prix, so this is about as good as it’s gonna get with Red Bull and KTM," added Binder. 

"Last weekend I struggled in most of the sessions. There wasn’t really a session where I was close to the front, but I was always able to do my same lap time consistently, but not go much faster. 

"Coming into this weekend after last week's race we understand a lot more. I’ve found more key areas where we need to try and improve for sure. I think we have what it takes to fight amongst that podium battle."