Binder Shatters Lap Record as KTM Dominates Catalunya MotoGP Practice

Posted : 06 September 2025

Brad Binder produced a blistering performance on Friday to set a new lap record in opening practice for the Catalunya MotoGP at Montmelo. The South African clocked a time of 1 minute 38.141 seconds, finishing over a second clear of his KTM teammate, rookie sensation Pedro Acosta.

Local favorites followed close behind, with Alex Marquez steering his Gresini Ducati into third, just 0.035 seconds off Acosta’s pace. He edged out his brother and championship leader Marc Marquez, who placed fourth on a factory Ducati, 0.085 seconds further back. The previous lap record of 1:39.664, set by Aleix Espargaro in 2023, was comprehensively beaten.

Further down the order, Marco Bezzecchi secured fifth on an Aprilia, while Enea Bastianini marked the sale of his Tech-3 KTM team with sixth place. Their performances pushed several former world champions outside the top 10, setting up a tense qualifying battle for Saturday.

Fabio Quartararo narrowly missed the cut in 11th on his Yamaha, falling short by just 0.003 seconds. Honda’s Joan Mir settled for 13th, reigning world champion Jorge Martin struggled in 18th on his Aprilia after returning from injury, while former double world champion Francesco Bagnaia endured a torrid session, finishing 21st and more than a second off Binder’s pace.

Marc Marquez, who has been untouchable in recent months with 14 straight victories across sprints and main races, reflected on Bagnaia’s struggles. He described the Ducati rider as being caught in a “spiral of less confidence,” noting that small mistakes in braking zones can quickly accumulate into lost time. Despite Bagnaia’s poor form, Marquez praised his talent and insisted that he “hasn’t forgotten how to ride.”

With Marc leading the championship standings by 175 points over his brother Alex and only eight rounds left until the finale in Valencia on November 16, he appears well on course for a seventh world title.

Meanwhile, the weekend also brought clarity to the 2025 MotoGP grid. Contract renewals were announced across the paddock, leaving just one seat undecided. Franco Morbidelli will continue with Ducati’s VR46 team, Luca Marini remains at Honda, and Jack Miller has extended his stay with Yamaha satellite Pramac, where Toprak Razgatlioglu will replace Miguel Oliveira. Johann Zarco has also been confirmed at Honda LCR, while Thai rookie Somkiat Chantra’s future remains unresolved.

After a shaky start to the season, Jorge Martin confirmed last weekend that he will stay with Aprilia, ending speculation about his future.

Binder Shatters Lap Record as KTM Dominates Catalunya MotoGP Practice

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