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Why a MotoGP rookie's Czech GP win wasn't a total shock

On a landmark day for his Austrian manufacturer, KTM rider Brad Binder became the latest new MotoGP winner in 2020. But while the result might have been unexpected, the combination's potential was clear to see if you knew where to look

Few would have predicted that just three races into his MotoGP career at the Czech Grand Prix, KTM factory rider Brad Binder (who turns 25 on Tuesday) would have stood atop the podium as a race winner. Not least when you consider he ended his first proper test on the RC16 at Valencia last November some 2.1 seconds off the pace in last.

The bike he is riding now has made a significant step forward from the 2019 version on which he began his MotoGP acclimatisation, but to make such an impact so early on amid arguably the most competitive premier class grid ever assembled would have been completely unrealistic to expect.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.