Brad Binder made his debut in the elite class last year and has recorded two victories to date for his team, KTM.

His younger brother, Darryn Binder, is set to debut in the elite class next year.

This comes after Yamaha announced that he has signed to ride for the factory rebranded RNF MotoGP team in 2022.

Binder will have an option to stay on with the team in 2023. He will partner Andrea Dovizioso at the RNF MotoGP team.

The Potchefstroom-born Binder said racing in the elite class is a lifelong dream and he looks forward to taking to the track on the Yamaha YZR-M1.

“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, as it has been a lifelong dream to race in the MotoGP category.

“I definitely didn’t expect to make the jump straight from Moto3 to the highest class, but I do believe I’m up for the challenge, and I‘m ready to put in all the hard work for 2022.

“My target at the beginning will be just to find my feet in the big class and learn as much as possible to get stronger and stronger throughout my rookie season.

“I would like to say a really big thank you to Yamaha and the RNF MotoGP Team for everything they have done to make this possible as well as everyone who has been involved in getting me to this point.

“Now I’m just looking forward to riding the Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time at the end of this season.”

Meanwhile, the circuit is in Italy this week for Sunday's Misano Grand Prix.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport