I AM SITTING IN THE RED BULL KTM hospitality unit, awaiting the arrival of Brad Binder, the first South African in seven decades of Grand Prix racing to win a premier-class GP. (Nota Bene: Always arrive early for interviews with top riders, because they will never forgive you if you are late). Binder walks in, makes a beeline for the drinks fridge, takes out a bottle of water and then...
'Would you like a water, bro?" he asks.
'Er, yes, thanks,' I reply.
*Still or sparkling?' he asks.
Binder (41), Red Bull Rookies, Brno 2016
In 35 years of chasing motorcycle racers around the world I do not think I have been treated so well by a rider. Not even by the late, great Nicky Hayden, a true gentleman of the racetrack.
'It's funny,' I say. 'Because I was going to ask you about this: you're probably the politest GP rider I've ever known.
Binder grins and explains, "I think I was born later than I should've been things are little bit more old school for me." The 27-year-old is old school on track too. He is all attack, charging down the inside, stealing the apex from whoever is in his way.
During this year's MotoGP world championship no one has passed as many riders during races as Binder. No one seems to have told him that it is just about impossible to overtake in MotoGP these days, thanks to clever (but stupid) new technology such as downforce aerodynamics and shapeshifters. At the first 17 races he made more than 60 passes.
Jack Miller, Brad Binder and IT LE Karel Hanika, Red Bull Aqua Battle, Rimini, Italy in 2015
Denne historien er fra February 2023-utgaven av Bike India.
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Denne historien er fra February 2023-utgaven av Bike India.
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