Brad Binder took the first victory of his MotoGP premier class career on Sunday, won at the Automotodrom Brno and delivered the first checkered flag for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.
The South African won the Moto3 championship in 2016 and has competed in Moto2 for the last three seasons before advancing to the top tier this year. With nine laps to go, he took the lead and took the first podium in his third start in the premier class of MotoGP.
“To be honest, I have no words,” said Binder, 24. “This is a day that I dreamed of as a little boy, and today it has come true. It’s incredible to win my first Grand Prix. I really wish my parents were here because it is they who have supported me from the start. Thank you to everyone who supports me in coming here. It’s a dream come true.
📅 August 9, 2020
📍 Automotodrom Brno
Remember the day @ BradBinder_41 and KTM shocked the world! 🏆 # Bradical | #CzechGP 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/CbSZbWx75N
– MotoGP ™ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 9, 2020
“I can’t thank my team enough. You put an absolutely crazy motorcycle under me this weekend. I had no idea that I could win, but I had a feeling we could be good. Hats off to my boys. You did an incredible job. I hope this is the beginning of many more. “
Franco Morbidelli finished second for his first podium in the premier class of MotoGP. Pole sitter Johann Zarco was third ahead of Alex Rins and Valentino Rossi.
With a seventh place, the championship leader Fabio Quartararo maintained his points lead.
In the Moto2 intermediate class, American Racing’s Joe Roberts took the first podium of his career and finished third behind winner Enea Bastianini after starting from pole. It is the first podium for an American rider in Moto2 since John Kocinski in 1993.
Roberts, who took two pole positions in four races, improved his points classification by five to eight places.
A wheelie worthy of its first Grand Prix podium! 🏆
Congratulations @Joerobertsracer !!! # Moto2 | #CzechGP 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/47NDNNbJFM
– MotoGP ™ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 9, 2020