Binder on the back foot: KTM crew chief names the fix that could save his season

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Phil Marron: No need for major changes for Brad Binder at start of 2026 MotoGP season

Binder’s 2025 campaign fell short of expectations, finishing 11th in the riders’ championship with 155 points, leading to changes in his setup this season. Marron replaced Andres Madrid as crew chief, hoping to spark an upturn in form.

KTM’s faith is under strain. Binder has never been more than a points scorer so far this term, while Pedro Acosta – his teammate – already has a Grand Prix podium to his name. The two-time world champion has finished sixth twice, was eighth once and DNFed once. However, Marron believes that minor adjustments will be enough for Binder to get back on track.

Marron is confident that only small tweaks are needed for Binder to regain his form and that the South African remains a valuable asset for KTM despite recent results.

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Marron: Binder’s qualifying and cornering consistency key to season turnaround

Acosta was awarded the win in the Buriram Sprint after Marc Marquez received a penalty for forcing him wide while taking the lead late in the race. Meanwhile, KTM Tech3’s Enea Bastianini secured a Sprint podium at COTA, benefiting from Acosta’s penalty for illegal tyre pressures.

Binder has only managed one finish inside the top 10 this season, coming in Thailand with P6 in the Sprint and P7 in the Grand Prix. He hasn’t placed higher than 12th in any other race so far. Marron believes that better qualifying performances and improved cornering consistency could unlock more potential.

When asked about Binder’s main challenges so far this season, Marron told SPEEDWEEK: