South Africa’s Brad Binder wins Moto3 Championship

South Africa’s Brad Binder on Sunday won the world Moto3 Championship in Aragon, Spain, after he finished second in the race.

The 21-year-old Red Bull KTM Ajo rider becomes the first South African since 1980 to win a Motorcycle Championship, and is now only one of three to do so.

The 2016 #Moto3 World Champion is @BradBinder_41! 🇿🇦🏁🏆#BinderChamp#AragonGP pic.twitter.com/60MIPePXqh

— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) September 25, 2016

In Brad Binder’s brief career, he has recorded 83 starts, five wins (all coming this season), 16 podiums and five pole positions. This is Binder’s sixth season in the light-motorcycle class.

Brad Binder wrapped up the Championship with four races to spare

He took his first grand prix victory in Jerez, when he started 35th on the grid, and has wrapped up the Championship with four rounds to go.

Brad Binder, finishing second to race winner Jorge Navarro, and joined on the podium by Enea Bastianini, was required to cross the line at least third in the race to be crowned the champion.

“We didn’t win the battle, but we won the war,” the South African noted in an interview after the race.

The next round of the championship takes place in Japan, at Twin Ring Motegi.

Have a look at highlights from Brad Binder’s spectacular season below.