Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has announced a contract extension with Brad Binder that will see the South African remain with the outfit through to the end of the 2026 season in MotoGP.

Binder, 28, has been a longtime member of the Red Bull KTM structure, joining Aki Ajo’s Moto3 team in 2015 and winning the world championship in the category the year after.

He made the step with Red Bull KTM Ajo in 2017 to Moto2, notching eight wins and 15 podium finishes in the intermediate category before stepping up to the premier class in 2020 with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Binder clinched KTM’s maiden premier class victory that same year in the Czech Republic, scoring in total four race wins (two sprint race victories) and multiple podiums to date onboard the RC16.

“A massive thank you to KTM and the management for trusting in me and for letting me be involved in this incredible program for a few more years,” said Binder.

“We are coming very close to what we want to achieve on the track but I cannot say enough good things about the team and my crew. 2015 and those first KTM races feel like a long time ago! But also time passes quickly and we’ve made some special memories. I know there is a lot more to come and cannot wait to build those stories. Thanks again.”

Binder already had a contract in place for the 2024 MotoGP campaign but will now enter his thirties as a key rider and figure for the KTM’s grand prix effort.