Struggling to Keep Up: Brad Binder Acknowledges the Need to Adapt to Pedro Acosta's Braking Prowess
It's a familiar tale in the high-octane world of MotoGP: a rider, Brad Binder, is facing a challenge, and the key lies in understanding his teammate, Pedro Acosta's, approach. Binder admits he needs to learn from Acosta, specifically when it comes to braking on the KTM MotoGP bike. But why is this so crucial?
During the Valencia Grand Prix qualifying, Acosta showcased his dominance, outperforming Binder with a 22-0 clean sweep throughout the season. Acosta's exceptional performance on the RC16 highlights a significant disparity in their approaches. While Acosta was just over a second away from victory, Binder finished eighth after a challenging race from 15th on the grid.
Looking at the season standings before the final race of 2025, Acosta leads Binder by a substantial 147 points. Furthermore, Acosta boasts 12 podium finishes, while Binder has yet to secure a single one. This paints a clear picture of the contrast in their performances.
Binder's struggles this weekend in Valencia stem from his inability to get the rear wheel to 'hook up' during braking, a skill Acosta seems to have mastered. But here's where it gets controversial: According to Binder, he relies heavily on the rear wheel for braking and acceleration, while Acosta seems to have found a different way. He acknowledges that Acosta's data reveals a different technique, one that involves softer braking, more rolling, and later acceleration. "I need to try and ride his style a little bit; a little bit softer on the brakes, more rolling, and later on the gas. There is a way to do it, but I just need to figure it out.”
Acosta's aggressive braking style has been a defining characteristic since his MotoGP debut. Binder notes a key difference in their styles: "I pull a lot more pressure on the front brake. He pulls a lot less pressure, but he keeps the bike completely square. So, it’s completely two wheels [in line], so he can stop on two wheels, whereas I rely on one wheel. I need to get better at keeping the rear contact.”
Binder also reveals that his past braking setups are no longer effective on the current bike. He explains, "The issue is that when we go in the direction of how I braked in the past, I keep losing the front. So, we don’t load the front tyre there. So, it’s not really an option anymore. So, we need to fine-tune these areas, especially in time attack is where it’s really hurting me.”
And this is the part most people miss... The adjustments needed highlight the ever-evolving nature of MotoGP and the importance of adapting to new techniques and technologies. It's a constant learning process, even for seasoned riders like Binder. What do you think about the changes in braking styles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
