Brad Binder could revive his MotoGP career at Trackhouse in 2027, says Gavin EmmettBrad Binder’s place on the MotoGP grid is far from secure, but there could be a lifeline emerging at Trackhouse for the 2027 season.
The KTM rider has gone through a rough stretch over the past year and a half, and Pedro Acosta’s rise has made it even harder for him to keep his footing within the team. Binder hasn’t managed to find any consistency lately, and that could end up costing him his seat for 2027.
KTM have already signed Alex Marquez as Acosta’s replacement, while the second spot is currently in flux following Maverick Vinales’ contract suspension due to a slow start in 2026.
Binder still has time to turn things around with KTM if he can make adjustments. There are also questions about who would step in if he does leave. But right now, no replacement has been mentioned publicly.
Binder reportedly has no backup plan in place if he’s let go by KTM next season, but commentator Gavin Emmett believes there’s still a place for him on the MotoGP grid.
With Ai Ogura set to join Yamaha in 2027, Trackhouse are looking to fill his seat with an experienced rider. Speaking during the Spanish Grand Prix on TNT Sports 2, Emmett floated Binder’s name as a potential fit.
“[There’s] talk that he’s got a couple of weekends to prove to the hierarchy there at KTM that he’s got what they need still. I’d like to see him on another bike,” said Emmett.
“You know they talk about Trackhouse looking for an experienced rider who can win races? You’d look at Brad Binder, wouldn’t you?”
The discussion then turned to whether Binder would be preferred over Joan Mir. Hodgson questioned: “You would. But would you pick him over Joan Mir?”
Trackhouse have shown interest in Mir, but Emmett pointed out Binder’s track record: “Joan Mir, how many has he won? One race, and Brad Binder has won, in kind of different circumstances, two.”
Binder remains in the hunt for a solution to his ongoing dip in form. Over the past 17 months, consistency has been hard to come by. Acosta’s rise to prominence only made things worse, as Binder lost his spot at KTM.
While Acosta heads to Ducati next season, Alex Marquez is set to fill the vacancy left behind. The status of the second seat is uncertain after Maverick Viñales’ contract was put on hold due to a slow start this year.
That situation may provide Binder with another chance, but pressure within KTM is already mounting. Pit Beirer has instructed him to move away from his rear tyre braking technique as part of efforts to improve performance ahead of 2027.
Binder’s current deal with KTM runs until the end of 2026, and although he still has time on his side, he’ll need significant improvement if he wants any hope of extending it into 2027 and beyond.
The upcoming changes highlight how much weight is being placed on performance this year. Beirer noted earlier in the season that KTM “know where” they’re going, adding even more scrutiny over rider performance at Red Bull GasGas Tech3 this year.
If results don’t improve soon, we could see a complete overhaul before the new campaign starts – beginning with decisions about their second seat heading into next season.
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