SA's Brad Binder crowned MotoGP's 2020 Rookie of the Year

• Brad Binder won the MotoGP Rookie of the Year title on Sunday.

• The rookie crashed out on Turn 14 during the final race of the season.

• SA is still proud of the local rider who finished 11th overall.

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We had high hopes for South Africa's MotoGP star Brad Binder to finish the season finale strong on Sunday (22 November), but that would not be the case. Nonetheless, the local rider has down his country immensely proud during his first season in the premium class.

Binder started the race in thirteenth position on the grid in Portimao and unfortunately retired quite early on during the race. He finished the season in eleventh place overall, not bad at all!

Although crashing out in the Grande Premio Meo de Portugal MotoGP race, Red Bull KTM rider, Binder managed to hold onto enough championship points (87pts) to beat fellow contender, Alex Marques (74pts), to be officially crowned the 2020 Rookie of the Year. 

In what has been one of the most exciting seasons of MotoGP racing with an unprecedented nine different winners over the 14 races, one of those being Binder with a win in race three at Brno, Czech Republic, has meant that this year's MotoGP races have kept fans literally on the edge of their seats. 

Binder said after the race: "All-in-all, my rookie year has come to a close and we managed to wrap the Rookie of the Year award, which was a goal starting the season. It's been a tough, but fantastic season with big highs and low lows! 

"I think all of it will build me up to be a stronger rider next season. 

"I want to say a massive thank you to everyone in the box, and the entire team. The feeling is great and we have a competitive package for sure."

Brad, South Africa is incredibly proud of you!