Brad Binder will join KTM MotoGP satellite squad Tech 3 for 2020 alongside Miguel Oliveria, replacing Hafizh Syahrin.
The South African currently competes in Moto2 with the Ajo KTM team, and stands eighth in the riders’ championship off the back of two successive runner-up finishes in the Dutch TT at Assen as well as last weekend in the German GP at the Sachsenring.
He won the 2016 Moto3 world championship with the Austrian marque, and currently sits at three victories in the intermediate class, all picked up last year on his way to third in the overall standings.
“It is incredible to have this opportunity,” said Binder.
“I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to KTM, Red Bull KTM Tech3, my manager and my family for helping me get to the premier class and to be able to give it a try.
“It is an amazing feeling right now and a dream come true. When you are growing up then this is what you aim for – to be in the MotoGP class with the best riders in the world with the best bikes – so it is a crazy feeling right now.”
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director, added;
“To be able to sign Brad Binder for our MotoGP project is an exciting moment because he has been with us for five years already and is one of our world champions.
“We have a strong story and connection and we’re really happy that it continues. It is clear we all have a big challenge in front of us and we also feel responsible for him to be able to maintain this good path we have together.”
It is not yet known where Syahrin may end up, although Johann Zarco-despite having a contract at the KTM factory squad for next year-could possibly leave for new pastures should his current form continue.
Should this materialise, Oliveria would likely step up to join Pol Espargaro at the main team, thus leaving a slot at Tech 3 that the Malaysian could potentially fill.
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