Binder says "something clicked" after last-to-first Jerez win

The South African rider sealed the lightweight class crown with four races to spare by finishing second behind Jorge Navarro in Sunday's Aragon race.

Binder believes the first of the five wins he has scored this year, which came from the back of the grid at Jerez after a penalty following qualifying, provided him with the perfect platform to mount a title charge.

"My first win in Jerez; starting from last and winning was amazing," said the 21-year-old when asked what was the turning point of his season.

"Whenever I had difficulties this season I looked back and said, 'if we were able to come back from last position, then I'm sure we can win this race.’

"After winning for the first time, something clicks and you start to believe that everything is possible and you prepare the best strategy to try to win every race."

Asked at which point specifically he began to think winning the title would be possible, Binder answered: "When our advantage was more than 75 points, I thought there was a great opportunity.

"This year we have been very consistent, but so have my rivals in the class and I have not had it easy. Jorge broke his leg and occasionally couldn’t finish a race, and during that time I was able to win and open up a large gap.

"I'm very glad that the work has been done and that we can just enjoy ourselves now.”

Ajo team to thank

Binder also credited the work of his Ajo KTM team - which previously took lightweight class titles with Mike di Meglio (2008), Marc Marquez (2010) and Sandro Cortese (2012) as being crucial to his success.

"Honestly, what made the difference is that I have the most amazing team behind me," added the South African. "It is a large structure, everything worked great and everybody has worked very hard.

"I've never started a race with doubts about anything. The people from KTM, my manager, the sponsors and everyone around me have also made it so that everything has worked perfectly.

"It is very nice to come into a GP weekend and not be stressed or worried, and able to dedicate myself to doing my job."