Binder and Bastianini Shine in Sweltering Thailand MotoGP Opening

In the 2025 MotoGP season opener in Thailand, Brad Binder secured 8th place from 14th, and Enea Bastianini marked his debut with a remarkable 9th place finish from 20th. Maverick Viñales and Pedro Acosta faced difficulties, finishing 16th and 19th, respectively. José Antonio Rueda won in Moto3, with Alvaro Carpe taking second, highlighting strong performances by KTM riders.

The 2025 MotoGP season kicked off under sweltering conditions at the Buriram International Circuit in Thailand, where Brad Binder and Enea Bastianini notched commendable finishes. Binder, starting from 14th, surged to 8th place, scoring crucial championship points. Bastianini, making his debut for Red Bull KTM Tech3, moved from 20th to 9th in a strong performance. The event drew a sold-out crowd, showcasing KTM’s competitive presence with both teams finishing in points-scoring positions.

Maverick Viñales concluded his debut with Red Bull KTM finishing 16th but failed to secure points. Pedro Acosta, who started from the second row, struggled to maintain pace and finished 19th after a crash. Despite the challenges, the Red Bull KTM Academy celebrated success in Moto3 with José Antonio Rueda winning and Alvaro Carpe achieving a solid second place.

Binder commented on the race, stating the importance of tire management in the hot conditions, although he believed he may have made an error with tire choice. “A really long race, for sure… I think we did a pretty good job… The team did a great job,” Binder noted. Bastianini reflected positively on adjusting to the race and finding his pace, appreciating the confidence provided by his tire choice.

Viñales expressed satisfaction with a baseline for improvement, acknowledging the need to enhance his performance, particularly regarding front grip issues during the race. Acosta assessed his day as disappointing but remained focused on improvement for the next round in Argentina.

Team Manager Aki Ajo highlighted the significance of gathering data in extreme conditions for future performance, stressing the need for enhancements but recognizing competitiveness in cooler climates.

In Moto3, Rueda’s performance was celebrated, showcasing a strong start to the season, while Carpe, a rookie, expressed surprise and joy at finishing on the podium.

The opening round of the 2025 MotoGP in Thailand saw strong performances from Red Bull KTM riders Binder and Bastianini, securing valuable points. Despite challenges faced by Viñales and Acosta, the team’s managerial focus is on data collection for future improvements. Meanwhile, the successful runs in Moto3 by Rueda and Carpe establish a solid foundation for KTM’s young talents in the upcoming races.

Original Source: www.totalmotorcycle.com