Binder punts for more event races

While sprint races at motorsport’s highest level might not be everyone’s cup of tea, Brad Binder has called for more racing over MotoGP weekends.

Saturday sprint races were introduced to Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend for the first time in 2022. And while many purists are still not sold on an additional racing event, the sprint races are limited to six per year.

MotoGP, on the other hand, last year introduced sprint races for the first time for every race weekend. These races are completed over half the Sunday main race’s distance and carry half the points of the main races.

“I think we should have three races every racing weekend. Their format doesn’t matter. But honestly, I think my competition would kill me for saying that,” Binder told the MotoGP podcast.

“To me, racing is racing. It’s all the best guys in the world going for a win, regardless whether it’s a shorter distance or not.

“You give your absolute best, everyone does. For me it doesn’t change to much, but you do get more points for Sundays so I prefer the Sunday ones.”

Binder last year won two out of the first four sprint races. He finished the season fourth in the championship with more points earned in sprint than in main races.

“Lot’s of people are not so keen at having sprint every weekend. But I love going out and working on the bike and getting things better in testing and stuff, but over a race weekend I can’t wait to actually go racing,” Binder added.

“I prefer to be fighting with other guys because that is what I enjoy.”

The Red Bull KTM rider will be out to claw his way back into title contention at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.

Jorge Martin leads the championship on 80 points followed by Enea Bastianini (59), Maverick Vinales (56), Pedro Acosta (54), Pecco Bagnaia (50) and Binder, on 49 points.