KTM’s Brad Binder has heaped praise on Pedro Acosta’s recent star outings, citing that MotoGP rookies now have it “tougher” than when he entered the premier class.
Binder arrived on the premier class scene back in 2020, having won Moto3 in 2016 before being classified runner-up in Moto2 in 2019.
His move to MotoGP sparked lots of interest in the paddock and it took only three races for him to become victorious, as he won in Brno.
He told Autosport that he thinks that when he joined it was a lot easier for him as a rookie and that the new crop of riders coming through have it tougher.
“I remember stepping into MotoGP and struggling at the first test,” he said.
“And then I got to the first race and thought ‘I’m super-fast’. And I ended up crashing a lot.
“But I would remember just rolling, always feeling like I could outbrake people, do funny things, and then you realise that they are saving tyres or something.
“You kind of catch these surprises along the way. But I think it’s always exciting at the beginning, you’re racing against the guys you looked up to.
“And I loved it, it was so cool. Of course, now, I think it’s tougher than when I joined that’s for sure. But it’s super cool and it’s an adventure for sure.”
Binder’s comments came after stablemate Acosta sealed his first podium in MotoGP in only his second race at the Portuguese GP last week.
“Bud, I’ll tell you, when he passed me he was rolling,” Binder added.
“He’s really special. When you watch him ride you can see how good he is.
“The way he can control the bike and carries a lot of corner speed and picks it up nicely. He’s a real class act, so hats off to him. He really deserves a podium.”
Binder has remained loyal to KTM throughout his MotoGP career and he reckons that working with Acosta will provide good chances for the Dutch outfit to progress.
“I think one of my biggest blessings as a rider is I’ve always had team-mates who have really pushed me,” he said.
“I’ve always had good team-mates and you can look at it as a blessing or a curse.
“But it’s always been really good for me. So, I think together we can really keep pushing and try to get this whole project going forward.”
