WATCH | Brad Binder reflects on the win in Brno that shot him to MotoGP stardom

• Brad Binder reflects on his first MotoGP win.

• Binder could find himself in contention for the 2020 MotoGP championship.

• KTM's 2020 bike is much easier to ride.

• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za

And we say 'our' man because Binder is a South African.

Born in Potchefstroom, Binder spent the first 12 years of his life on local soil, before making the sacrifice to move to Europe to pursue a career on two wheels. Long story short, Binder made the most of his chances, and in 2011, he competed in both the Red Bull MotoGP Rookie Cup and Moto3.

READ: Brad Binder, you beauty! The future is bright for South Africa's MotoGP rider

In 2012, he made the full-time switch to Moto3, which culminated in him winning the championship in 2016.

Between 2017 and 2019, Binder competed in Moto2, coming to within three points of winning the championship last year. He's 2020 campaign as MotoGP rider did not get off to the best of starts, but he turned the first two dismal results into a victory by the third race. And that victory has everyone gloating on his behalf.

Brad Binder (Red Bull Content Pool)

2020 championship hopes

MotoGP announced that the 2020 Corona-hit season would consist of 15 races. After three GPs, Binder is fifth in the championship on 28 points, 31 behind championship leader Fabio Quartararo on 59 points. It definitely is impressive, but here's where things could get interesting.

Taking Binder's performances over the first three races into account - even the first two challenging races - it is clear that he and the bike is the perfect combination. KTM, the team Binder rides for, improved this year's bike over last year's by leaps and bounds. The bike is easier to ride, and it puts its power down comfortably. In both Binder and team mate Pol Espargo's hands, the bike has the potential to compete for more wins this year.

READ: Dearest Brad, you biscuit - Wheels24 readers send SA's MotoGP star proud messages of hope

With 25 points awarded for the win and 20 for second place, it would be unwise to discount Binder on making a bigger impact as the season progresses. In 2019, after a torrid first half of the season, Binder came back in the second to almost win the championship. He has shown the grit and class needed to make it count when it matters, and it is safe to assume him to have that same mentality in the premier class.

You can count on our 'boytjie' to go all the way in 2020.

Brad Binder (Red Bull Content Pool)