WATCH: Throwback to Brad Binder's god like run in rain to win Austrian MotoGP 2021

The 2021 Austrian Grand Prix was nothing short of a MotoGP classic, a race that will be remembered for years, thanks to an incredible display of courage and skill by Brad Binder. In what can only be described as a daring and unconventional move, the South African rider from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing defied the odds and emerged victorious in one of the most unpredictable races of the season.

The race started under clear skies, but as the laps ticked down, the weather began to change. Rain threatened the Red Bull Ring, and with three laps remaining, it finally arrived. Most riders, sensing the danger, dashed into the pits to swap their slicks for wet-weather tyres. However, Binder made a bold decision—he stayed out on slick tyres, a gamble that would define the outcome of the race.

Here is the video:

A race that went directly into #MotoGP history books! 💯@BradBinder_33 won under the rain with slick tyres back in 2021! 🥇#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/vRORmGqcb9

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 14, 2024

As the rain intensified, Binder's decision seemed increasingly risky. The track became treacherous, and the riders on wet tyres, including Francesco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo Team and Jorge Martin from Pramac Racing, began to close in. However, Binder won the race with an amazing performance.

Meanwhile, Bagnaia, in particular, put on a masterclass of wet-weather riding, passing six riders in the final lap to secure second place. Martin, who had also switched bikes, managed to secure the third podium position.

How did Brad Binder win the race?

The opening stages of the race were already intense. Jorge Martin, starting from pole position, got a strong start, but Francesco Bagnaia quickly moved up to second, taking advantage of a mistake by Martin.

Fabio Quartararo, who started third, struggled early on but soon regained his form, engaging in a fierce battle with Marc Marquez and Johann Zarco. As the race progressed, the top riders, including Bagnaia, Quartararo, and Marquez, began to pull away, setting the stage for an epic finish.

With just six laps to go, rain flags were out, signalling the riders of the impending downpour. Marc Marquez briefly took the lead, but Bagnaia quickly reclaimed it, showing his determination to win. As the rain became heavier, the leading group of six riders struggled to maintain control, and all but Binder peeled into the pit lane for a bike swap.

Binder’s decision to stay out on slicks, despite the worsening conditions, paid off. He skillfully managed the final laps, keeping his bike on the road as others faltered. His gamble resulted in one of the most dramatic and unexpected victories in MotoGP history, a win that showcased his bravery and cemented his place as one of the sport's rising stars.