Locked and loaded: Brad Binder all set to lead team Red Bull

Nervous, anticipation, excitement … all of these emotions are probably running through South Africa's Brad Binder with just two days left before the first MotoGP race weekend of the season.

Binder will, for the first time in his career, play a senior team member role this season alongside Pedro Acosta.

During earlier interviews, Binder said it was strange to be in the position but welcomed it. Teams have already arrived at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand and will have a free practice and practice session on Friday.

Saturday morning will give the riders another opportunity to practice one last time before qualifying begins. On Sunday, it's time for the lights to drop.

Confidence looked high in camp Red Bull KTM at Chang Circuit this week as the team capped off their preparations for the season opener.

Binder hopped off his No 33 RC16 bike and shook hands with the team in what looked like a motivated team. Acosta followed suit shortly after with a similar determination. Binder looked confident on the bike pre-season testing in Buriram earlier this month.

“Worked on a race set-up, got through plenty of laps and I’ve got to say I’m feeling pretty solid,” Binder said.

The 29-year-old has 17 MotoGP victories and one Moto3 world championship over 237 races in all categories, and will no doubt be hot on the tails of Ducati in hopes of claiming his second.

He’s also had seven pole positions and 46 podium finishes in his career so far. Binder finished fifth in the world riders' championship last year with 217 points. In 2024, he also managed to score only one podium – a second-place finish at teh season-opening Qatar MotoGP.

The 29-year-old finished sixth last year at the Thai MotoGP. Binder and Acosta seemed to have acquainted themselves with their new packages this year, which are also sporting some aerodynamic changes on the rear end with a new spoiler.

Team leader Aki Ajo said the team is looking forward to the season.

“We have been working hard during the winter to develop our project and the RC16 to be even faster and better than last season. Our aim is high, but we are prepared to keep working hard, and it is a joy to have such skilled and dedicated people in the project, and in the company,” Ajo said.