Brad Binder Identifies Key MotoGP Trait to Learn from Pedro Acosta
Brad Binder acknowledges a crucial aspect of Pedro Acosta's riding style that he needs to master. Binder, who has been struggling to match his teammate's performance, particularly in braking, reveals his plan to analyze Acosta's technique more closely.
During the qualifying session at the Valencia Grand Prix, Acosta dominated, securing a 22-0 clean sweep for the season, leaving Binder in eighth place after a challenging start from 15th on the grid. This performance gap highlights Acosta's consistent excellence on the RC16 bike.
Acosta's lead in the standings is significant, with a 147-point advantage over Binder. The South African rider has yet to secure any podiums, contrasting with Acosta's impressive 12 podium finishes. Binder attributes his braking struggles to his reliance on the rear wheel and the lack of 'hook-up' sensation he normally experiences.
He explains, "I think I rely a lot on the rear wheel, on braking, entering, and also on the throttle. And I don't feel the hook-up that I normally need. So, that’s what I really struggle with. But the reality is, Pedro is doing it."
Binder's analysis of Acosta's data reveals a different approach to braking. Acosta maintains complete control of the bike, keeping it square and utilizing both wheels effectively. In contrast, Binder's front brake pressure is significantly higher, leading to a single-wheel stop, which he aims to improve.
Binder mentions, "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."
The issue lies in Binder's old braking techniques, which no longer work 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, where it’s really hurting me."
Binder's insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of MotoGP, where even small adjustments can significantly impact performance. As he continues to learn from Acosta's riding style, Binder aims to bridge the gap and improve his overall results.
