MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta has expressed that his main focus is not on competing for the 2024 championship title, despite securing his second podium finish of the season at the Americas Grand Prix. Acosta has surpassed expectations in his debut season in the premier class, becoming the youngest rider to achieve back-to-back podium finishes. His third-place finish in Portimao and second-place finish at the Circuit of the Americas have propelled him to fourth place in the standings as the leading KTM rider. However, Acosta remains grounded and is not allowing himself to be consumed by the mounting expectations. Instead, he is directing his attention towards the upcoming round in Jerez and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the current moment. Acosta acknowledges that the championship is a long season and not his current priority.
During the Americas GP, Acosta experienced what it was like to lead a MotoGP race for the first time after Marc Marquez crashed ahead of him on Lap 11. However, his lead was short-lived as Maverick Vinales overtook him two laps later and went on to secure an impressive comeback victory. Acosta admits that he was unable to match Vinales’ pace and acknowledges that nobody in the world could have caught him on that day. Acosta had observed Vinales’ exceptional pace during the sprint sessions and recognized that he was operating on a different level. Despite his efforts to defend his position, Acosta concedes that Vinales was simply too strong. Acosta even attempted to brake harder into Turn 12 when Vinales overtook him but found it impossible. Ultimately, Acosta accepts that it was not his day for victory.