KTM are now having doubts about their 2027 factory line-up, which could offer a lifeline for Brad Binder.
Pit Beirer hasn’t given up hope of keeping Acosta, but it’s become clear that the rider is already on his way out.
With the MotoGP rider market moving quickly for the 2027 season, the team have had to act to secure their riders. Alex Marquez is set to join KTM from Gresini, fulfilling his desire to be a factory rider.
Maverick Vinales was expected to move up from Tech3 and join Marquez in the main squad, a change that would push Binder out of the picture. But now it seems KTM may be reconsidering that decision.
KTM delay Maverick Vinales’ factory deal following slow start to 2026
Pedro Acosta has quickly established himself as KTM’s standout rider in 2026, having won the sprint in Buriram and being the only one to consistently get strong results from the bike early on.
Jorge Lorenzo was expected to bring some stability, but Top Gun went pointless through two races, finishing 16th in Thailand and 18th in Brazil.
The South African is struggling with rhythm and competitiveness on the RC16. There are also questions about his partnership with Jorge Lorenzo, especially after Lorenzo skipped the Brazilian GP.
To make matters worse, Motorsport reports that KTM have paused Vinales’ 2027 factory contract talks. His poor start to 2026 has made the team rethink their plans, asking for more time before making a final decision.
Meanwhile, this development gives Brad Binder a lifeline. Previously thinking his days at KTM were numbered beyond this season, he now has an unexpected chance to prove his value again.
Binder’s ongoing dtruggles at KTM continue into 2026
Brad Binder came into this season needing a reset after being outperformed by Acosta throughout 2025. KTM responded by pairing him with a new crew chief, hoping to spark improvement, especially in qualifying where he lost 22-0 to his teammate last year.
Binder showed some promise in Thailand, finishing sixth in the Sprint and seventh in the Grand Prix. But he couldn’t build on that momentum in Goiania, crashing out and leaving without any points.
Despite those issues, Binder sits ninth in the standings ahead of the Americas Grand Prix, making him KTM’s second-highest rider behind Acosta. Still, things aren’t clicking yet with new crew chief Phil Marron.
With Vinales’ factory promotion now uncertain, there’s a chance for Binder to step back into the conversation. But he’ll need to close the gap to Acosta if he wants to stay on the MotoGP grid beyond this season.
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