Moto3: Petronas Sprinta Racing sign Darryn Binder for 2021 season

Petronas Sprinta Racing have confirmed the signing of Darryn Binder on a one-year deal for the 2021 Moto3 season.

The 22-year-old, younger brother of MotoGP rider Brad Binder, has been making progress year-on-year in the lightweight class since he debuted in 2015. Binder has finished on the podium twice in his Moto3 career, picking up several top 10 finishes and point-scoring positions along the way. 

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Binder is also known for his entertaining battles on race day as he fights back from a few rows back on the grid. He’s developed the nickname of ‘Divebomb Darryn’ within the MotoGP paddock for his aggressive riding style. 

“I’m really happy to be joining Petronas Sprinta Racing for next season, Binder commented. “I was super excited when the opportunity came, and I think we have big potential together and a great package to work with. I feel like we can do a really good job together and can have a bright future.

“Personally, I think that this is the best opportunity to make the last step up to continually be at the top of the standings. Our target will be to fight for the top positions at every race.”

So far this season Binder has a best result of fourth, at the Andalucia GP, and has also finished sixth on two occasions. He crashed out of the leading pack at Qatar and Misano. 

“I’m really pleased that we have signed Darryn for next year,” team boss Johan Stigefelt added. “We have seen that he is an aggressive, talented and good rider, especially on the race day. This is the kind of guy that you want to work with, who wants to take the next step in his career, and the type of rider who you want in your team who can challenge for the front. This will definitely be the target with him.

“First, he will need to adapt to the Honda, and we want him to feel comfortable in the team, as we’ve done with other riders in the past. He’ll have a strong crew around him and I’m confident that we will be able to do something very good together.”

Whilst nothing has been confirmed as of yet, the signing of Binder could suggest that John McPhee is heading to Moto2 next year. The Scot, currently racing with the Petronas Sprinta Racing team, has already expressed his desire to move to the intermediate class at the end of 2020. He’s currently involved in a three-way title fight with Albert Arenas and Ai Ogura, with 14 points covering the three riders.