He probably lacked a sense of occasion, but Brad Binder, South Africa's MotoGP ace, on Saturday managed the notable feat of equalling the top speed record in the sport.
During his qualifying run for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, the 25-year-old reached an incredible speed of 362.4 km/h on his KTM, joining Ducati's Johann Zarco, who was first to achieve the feat in Qatar earlier this year.
362.4 km/h from @BradBinder_41! ??
— MotoGP™?? (@MotoGP) May 29, 2021
The KTM rider equals @JohannZarco1's all-time #MotoGP top speed record! ??#ItalianGP ???? pic.twitter.com/JVf977C7uN
Binder's blistering pace, however, didn't translate into the grid position it deserved and he'll start the race in sixth.
It's been a year of transition for the Potchefstroom-born speed merchant, who last year became the first South African and first rookie since 2013 to win a Championship race when he triumphed in the Czech Republic.
He currently has 24 points for the season and hasn't had a podium finish yet.