Brad Binder (24) is the first South African to win a race in the MotoGP premier class. The race took place at the Czech Grand Prix at 2pm on Sunday, August 9.
Binder clocked a time of 41:38.764 for the 21-lap race. According to EWN, he was senventh on the grid and managed to work his way to the top throughout the race.
He overtook Franco Morbidelli, who was in first place for a number of laps, with only nine laps until the end of the race.
This is Binder’s first win ever in the premier class, and he is the first rookie since Marc Marquez to win in MotoGP. It is also his third ever start, according to EWN.
? #MotoGP RACE!@BradBinder_41 AND KTM WIN THEIR FIRST #MotoGP RACE!!! ???#Bradical | #CzechGP ?? pic.twitter.com/JKvPKCpG0K
— MotoGP™? (@MotoGP) August 9, 2020
“This is a day I’ve dreamed about since I was a little boy. Today, it came true. I really wish my parents were here because they were the ones that backed me from the beginning,” Binder said during an interview after the race.
“I can’t thank my team enough. They put an absolutely insane motorbike underneath me this weekend. Thank you to everyone at home for always supporting me. I hope that this is the start of many more.”
In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Binder on his historic win.
“Brad Binder made all South Africans proud today with his historic victory. We share in his elation and look forward to his long and successful career at the top of his sport.
“Coming as it did on Women’s Day, which brings us together as a nation, Brad’s victory in the Czech Grand Prix provides us with inspiration, hope and pride and lifts our spirits at a time we need this.”
Image: Twitter/ @MotoGP