Portugal MotoGP: Brad Binder: I was really, really on the limit

Brad Binder put in one of the performances of the weekend in MotoGP, as he claimed KTM’s best finish of the year with fifth having started in 15th. 

It was a brilliant start from the South African as he was already inside the top ten within a matter of corners. 

Binder managed to remain in the front group for much of the race, and was involved in a lengthy battle for sixth with Aleix Espargaro. 

But following the crashes of Alex Rins and Johann Zarco, Binder was elevated into a top five position and actually homed in on the podium places as the race went on. 

However, Binder was on the limit for much of the race and was unable to close the gap fully to Franco Morbidelli in front.

When summing up his weekend compared to Doha, Binder said: "A little bit better for sure. I’m happy with the progress we made in the race. 

"It was really good to crack a top five, especially when you have had such a tough weekend. It’s been difficult to be strong but in general I have to say we worked hard this weekend and the pace was pretty strong in the race. 

"It was frustrating to see the podium battle ahead of me and I just couldn’t quite get there. I think a 5th place was a good job for today and we’ll keep on working to hopefully make a few more steps forward in Jerez."

While Binder had the pace to match the lead group on occasion, he wasn’t able to consistently put down the laps needed in order to close up and described it as being a bit ‘over-eager’ as he could sniff a podium. 

"I was really, really on the limit. I was pushing super-hard and on one lap I could break the 40s, but then I’d do a 1m 40.3s and make some small errors over the lap," added the 25 year-old. 

"I think I was maybe just a bit over-eager. You know when you can see that podium is there and it seems like a distant memory for the weekend so far. 

"When the podium is in sight then you just do everything you can. I gave it my all and unfortunately we could not get close enough to get into that battle."

Over the course of the weekend, it’s been rumoured that Dani Pedrosa could make an appearance this season as a potential wildcard as he recently completed another test for the Austrian manufacturer. 

But when asked about this, Binder was unaware of the news and is unsure of what Pedrosa has been testing. 

"Honestly it’s the first time I’ve heard anything about that. I’m sure my team does but I don’t really follow the test programme at all," added Binder.  

"For sure Dani [Pedrosa] is testing things for us, but honestly I don’t have a clue what they are or what they are using or doing at the moment. 

"I’m sure they have a clear direction of what we need – well, we have a clear direction – and I’m sure Dani will work on those points for us."