Brad Binder joins Red Bull KTM MotoGP lineup for 2020

Michelle Liew

October 24, 2019

Brad Binder will be joining Pol Espargaro for the Red Bull KTM MotoGP lineup for 2020.

Red Bull KTM will be featuring former world champion and class rookie Brad Binder and Pol Espargaro for the 2020 MotoGP lineup. Spaniard Iker Lecuona will be joining the Red Bull KTM Tech3 lineup since Binder will not be taking up the saddle there.

Brad Binder has scored impressive progress through Moto3 and Moto2 divisions. Iker Lecuona, on the other hand, who has taken Moto2 podium honours in both 2018 and 2019, had been signed for a Moto2 ride in 2020. The 19-year old has now been promoted to the Red Bull KTM Tech3 MotoGP effort alongside Miguel Oliveira.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director

Iker Lecuona | Photo credits: KTM Factory Racing

“It was clear that our plans for 2020 needed to change following our mid-season announcement. After some thought and talks we decided to move in this direction and let the young, hungry guys with good experience in the other categories of MotoGP show us what they can do. Brad Binder is a rider that has made his way through the KTM structure. We have no doubt whatsoever that he can walk into the Red Bull KTM team and keep showing that same style and never-give-up attitude we have seen for a long time,” says Beirer as quoted from KTM Factory Racing.

“Iker Lecuona comes into the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team. We are super-confident that Hervé and his guys will be able to help and develop another rookie like they have done so well with Miguel this year. We know we are making good and exciting steps with our MotoGP project. With next season now fixed we can really start building up to this new chapter.”

Mike Leitner, Red Bull KTM Team Manager

Brad Binder | Photo credits: KTM Factory Racing

“I’m super-happy with the duo we have for 2020. We had a long discussion about it but finally, I think it is a good decision that KTM made. In Pol we have a very strong rider who has made good results for us and we’ve seen in the other categories what Brad Binder is capable of with our bikes. He is one of the young kids that has come through the rank. It will be a big challenge for him but I think he will have a great future in MotoGP.”

Hervé Poncharal, Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Principal

Photo credits: KTM Factory Racing

“My feeling is that this is the strongest 2020 KTM line-up we could have hoped for. We want to have four riders with talent, passion, will and that they will stick to the project. Personally I am happy to work with a young and talented rookie like Iker. This is the way to go for the future. We have seen that the same approach has brought some success to other teams. Let’s start working on 2020. We have the technical support and we have the right people on board. I believe we will take a big step next year with both Miguel in his second year. Iker is also keen to show us what he can do.”