Binder impressed with ‘fast’ KTM as MotoGP testing begins, Martin suffers major crash

MotoGP returned to the track on Wednesday as pre-season testing began for the 2025 season and it seems that Brad Binder had to hold on tight onto his Red Bull KTM, as he completed his laps around the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

Jorge Martin’s highside at turn 2 😳#MotoGP #SepangTest

pic.twitter.com/NmhUuWQPq8

— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 5, 2025

World champion Jorge Martin, meanwhile, will have to undergo surgery after breaking his hand and foot during the test. The Spaniard was flung off his Aprilia, landing hard on the tarmac in a shunt that shattered his helmet. South Africa’s Binder had no such drama as he took to the track, and seemed to complete his session with a degree of positivity.

“First day back after a long time off … missed it,” he posted on his X account on Wednesday This bike is faassstttt … time to sit with the crew to debrief on (Wednesday’s) findings and make a solid plan for the remainder of the test (sic).”

The RB16 has certainly not lacked pace over the last few seasons, but translating that into a competitive package has been troublesome. More often than not, Binder has struggled to find rear tyre grip in the latter stages of races and has been unable to press for podiums.

First day back after a long time off… missed it. This bike is faassstttt ✌️ time to sit with the crew to debrief on today’s findings and make a solid plan for the remainder of the test 🇿🇦✊ @KTM_Racing @MotoGP pic.twitter.com/EEp4U2WAT5

— Brad Binder (@BradBinder_33) February 5, 2025

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old’s consistency ensured that he finished fifth in the world riders’ championship in 2024, although he did so with just one podium. KTM, meanwhile, managed to finish second in the constructors’ championship.

Off-track issues have also seemingly been put aside for now. In 2024 the Austrian-based team entered self-administration due to a staggering debt of €3 billion. Earlier this week, however, the team’s motorsport director, Piet Beirer confirmed a commitment to the 2027 season, indicating that they were working on the next rules cycle, which will be implemented then.

The Sepang test continues until Friday, with two more pre-season tests to follow in Thailand and Spain. The MotoGP season starts on February 28 with the Thailand GP.