On Sunday Binder finished second at the Austria Grand Prix to strengthen his grip on the fourth place in the standings while inching closer to Marco Bezzecchi in third.

Pecco Bagnaia of Ducati won the race 42:23.3150, while Binder crossed the finish line 5.191 seconds later, and Bezzecchi took third.

On Saturday Potchefstroom-born Binder also finished second in the sprint race.

Binder said it was great to be on the podium again despite struggling with grip.

“I tried to keep as honest as possible during the first half, and there was a moment when the rear-grip just said 'goodbye',” said Binder.

“I knew I had to be clever and make sure that I brough the bike home.

“The step my team made from yesterday to today was huge again, I could brake some much later and so much harder.

“We still have a little bit of work to do on the drive grip, but I cannot thank them enough.

“It's awesome to be on the podium twice here in Austria in their home GP.”

Next week the riders will head to Spain for the Catalan Grand Prix.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport