Binder: "As a child you don't dream of the Moto3 title"
Brad Binder celebrated his first Moto3 title at the Australian Grand Prix and enjoyed a special moment with his father and ex-rider, Christian.
Binder and his father are now part of a select group of father and son world champions in motorcycle racing, along with Kenny Roberts, Kork Ballington, and Angel Nieto.
Binder had to pull off two valiant recoveries in the race after a poor start saw him down in 22nd on the opening lap.
For his first recovery Binder had some help from teammate Moto3 champion Livio Loi, who helped him through to a top ten finish.
In the closing stages Binder had to overcome another rival, this time it was Jakub Kornfeil, who he passed on lap 20 of 23 to move into fifth place.
Once ahead Binder had to fend off a challenge from Fabio Quartararo, who he beat by under a tenth of a second to the line.
"When I crossed the line I didn't know what position I was," Binder said.
"I didn't know what had happened and then once I saw my team I knew I had done something pretty special, so I was very emotional."
Binder's father actually didn't see his son take the title as he was busy in the Red Bull KTM box, helping Johann Zarco as he made his MotoGP debut.
"I didn't actually see the race, I was in the box with Johann," Christian Binder said.
"But I knew Brad was quick, so when I heard the crowd then I knew he must have won, so I ran out and gave him a big hug."
Binder's title triumph sees him become the first South African rider to win a world championship since Jon Ekerold claimed the 350cc title in 1980.
Binder is also the first rider from outside Europe to win a solo grand prix world championship since Australia's Casey Stoner in 2011.
