27 laps of howling MotoGP began under cloudy, cool and windy skies at the revered site in the state of Victoria and with Brad Binder starting from P16 on the grid. Brad pushed all the way to 8th place, marking his fourth points-scoring ride in a row.

Onto the Sepang International Circuit and one of only two venues where MotoGP accumulated many pre-season testing laps. The Malaysian Grand Prix will take place next weekend and will end the overseas trek for the championship as well as prefacing the final back-to-back double of Portuguese and Valencian rounds to close the book on 2025.

Brad Binder
8th and 12th in the championship standings:

“The race was a little bit tricky. I had a really good start and got in the mix. You really had to protect the rear tire because it was easy to mess up the edge. I tried to be clever with that and was riding very clean but it still dropped a lot at the end. I was really clear with what we need to improve to go faster. Otherwise, I cannot complain too much; 16th to 8th and decent pace.”

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DARRYN BINDER #15

“Overall it has been a positive weekend, we made a lot of steps forward: direct seed to Q2 and a good enough grid position, so I was expecting a lot more from the race. I’m really disappointed with my result but I really tried by best to gain some places after the start, bit I was struggling a little bit more than yesterday. Anyway we go home with some points, so let’s try to see everything in a positive way and see what will happen in Malaysia.”

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DARRYN BINDER #15

“I’m really happy with qualifying today: 9th place in third row for tomorrow, it’s a good enough starting position to have a good race! This morning it was a little tricky with mixed conditions, we didn’t get to make as many laps as we would have liked to have, but the qualifying was good: we made a big step forward from yesterday and I’m ready to give my all tomorrow!”

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Brad Binder

13th in qualification, DNF in the Sprint:

“Nothing serious. I got a good start, passed a few dudes early on and then at the start of the second flying lap in turn 2 when I cracked the throttle it started understeering and I dipped the front. I didn’t expect that. It would have been nice to do the Sprint distance today to get some laps under our belt but, other than that, everything else is OK and I feel pretty good on the bike. Tomorrow will be OK.”

Published by: https://bradbinder33.com

South African motorsport talent Anthony Raynard is preparing to take on the ultimate endurance challenge as he confirms his entry into the 2026 Dakar Rally bike category.

A multiple national champion and international competitor, Raynard has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most versatile riders, with success across motocross, supercross, enduro and rally raid. Now, after nearly two decades of racing, he’s turning his focus to the world’s toughest rally.

“The Dakar Rally is the ultimate test,” says Raynard. “It’s where everything you’ve trained for — physically, mentally, and mechanically — is put to the test. For me, it’s a dream I’ve had since I first saw those riders pushing through dunes and deserts. To even get to that start line is something special, and to finish it? That’s legendary.”

Raynard’s early years saw him rise quickly through the motocross ranks. By 2008 he was racing professionally, and a year later achieved podium finishes in both MX1 and MX2 classes. He went on to win the South African National Motocross Championship in 2012 and has since represented the country at the Motocross of Nations and competed internationally in India, the UAE, and New Zealand.

The shift from motocross to rally raid has required a complete change in mindset. “Motocross is all-out intensity for 30 minutes,” he explains. “Rally raid is a marathon. You’re in the saddle for hours, navigating, conserving energy, and staying sharp the whole way.”

Raynard is currently training in Cape Town and Namibia, focusing on endurance, navigation, and bike setup ahead of Dakar qualification.
“Every ride, every gym session, every bit of planning is part of the bigger picture,” he adds. “I’m trusting the process and giving this everything.”
As preparations intensify, Raynard and his team are also in discussions with potential sponsors to support his Dakar campaign — a journey that represents both national pride and the chance to showcase South African talent on one of motorsport’s biggest global stages.

About Anthony Raynard
Anthony Raynard is a South African multi-discipline motorsport athlete with a career spanning over two decades. A two-time National Motocross Champion and multiple international titleholder, Anthony has represented South Africa at the prestigious Motocross of Nations and competed across Europe, the USA, UAE, India, and New Zealand. Now shifting his focus to rally raid, he is partnered with the BAS World KTM Racing Team as he works towards competing in the 2026 Dakar Rally. Known for his precision, professionalism, and perseverance, Anthony continues to embody the grit and determination that define South African motorsport.

For media or sponsorship enquiries, contact Kerry at KDT Agency via kerryn@kdtcomms.com

Published by: Kerry du Toit for KDT Agency (PTY) Ltd