Image: Supplied.

Brad Binder has been promoted to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for his rookie season in the 2020 MotoGP World Championship, while his initial spot at Red Bull KTM Tech3 will be taken up by Spaniard Iker Lecuona.

The team shuffle comes after Johann Zarco departed the squad not even one full season into a two-year deal, prompting the Austrian manufacturer to cement its future with two premier class rookies.

Binder’s impressive progress through the Moto3 and Moto2 divisions meant the 24-year old was well on the road to a premier class saddle for 2020, but with a slot opening in the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, Binder has been placed next to Pol Espargaro for his first term.

Lecuona, who has taken Moto2 podium honours in both 2018 and 2019, had been signed for a Moto2 ride in 2020. The 19-year old has now been promoted to the Red Bull KTM Tech3 MotoGP effort alongside Miguel Oliveira.

“It was clear that our plans for 2020 needed to change following our mid-season announcement,” said KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer. “After some thought and talks we decided to move in this direction and let the young, hungry guys with good experience in the other categories of MotoGP show us what they can do.

“Brad is a rider that has made his way through the KTM structure and we have no doubt whatsoever that he can walk into the Red Bull KTM team and keep showing that same style and never-give-up attitude we have seen for a long time.

“Iker comes into the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team and we’re super-confident that Hervé and his guys will be able to help and develop another rookie like they have done so well with Miguel this year. We know we are making good and exciting steps with our MotoGP project and with next season now fixed we can really start building up to this new chapter.”

The current MotoGP season resumes this weekend at Phillip Island for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.