Brad Binder has expressed his belief that KTM will take a ‘step forward’ in 2026 MotoGP development, with a new upgrade giving it ‘free’ top speed at the Italian Grand Prix.
Every manufacturer on the grid wants as much engine power as possible when approaching us Italian Grand PrixThe Mugello circuit is known as the fastest and most demanding race on the 22-race calendar.
Tell the order of the KTM riders in the 2026 MotoGP rankings
While KTM The power unit is known for its brutal speed and high power delivery, but it is still far from the best-in-class engine. Ducati They have been boasting since the present constitution came into force.
Slowing engine development for any builder outside of MotoGP class D Levels of discountsThis means KTM has no way to strengthen their mid-range power unit before the regulations change in 2027.
However, there are many ways the Matthijhofen-based factory can improve the RC16, which comes mostly through the airframe.
Brad Binder reveals the discovery of a KTM setup that could change his 2026
Following the conclusion of MotoGP’s second season test of the 2026 campaign, Brad Binder He presented his thoughts on KTM’s development efforts to the journalists present at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
“It was a short test day – we didn’t cover many kilometers,” he began Speed ​​week. “We’ve been using our used tires all day since the weekend, and I’m really happy with the speed I’ve been able to get with them.”
Will Brad Binder be on the MotoGP grid in 2027?
“We played around with the wet a bit. Nothing crazy, it seemed to work well on a slippery track, and apart from that, we tried a slightly different balance setup – I did a few laps on it, but we had to adjust the setup before it rained a bit.
“Overall, it was a really good test considering how little we did. But to be honest, I feel good, and I’m ready for Mugello.”
It’s been a tough campaign so far for the South African rider, but thanks to the work the KTM engineers have put in over the last few weeks, his feedback looks great.
“I feel we’ve got a slightly different set-up than Sunday at Le Mans, and I think we’ve taken a step forward as the whole bike is easier to ride.
“I really like it, and it looks like I’ll be getting an equity update next week, which will be great – a little more speed, practically for free. Let’s see what we can do.”
Brad Binder holds the all-time MotoGP record for fastest speed recorded
If the RC16 can reach the height of Binder’s efforts at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, the South African could be on course for an impressive result at Mugello.
In that year’s edition of the Grand Prix, Binder set the all-time MotoGP record for fastest speed of 366.1 km/h (227.5 mph) on the 1.141 km (0.709 mi) long start/finish straight.
Binder in 2010. Still hunting for his first victory in the premier class since his sophomore season in 2021, his factory KTM team-mate Pedro Acosta is still waiting to fully break his duck..
It’s certainly the 30-year-old’s optimistic verdict on KTM’s upgrades, but it remains to be seen how it will translate into results on the track.
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