In recent years, there has been no shortage of up-and-coming talents in MotoGP who have caught the attention of manufacturers, created buzz, and seen their stock rise and fall. However, throughout it all, Pedro Acosta has remained the standout performer. With a track record of success similar to Fabio Quartararo before entering the grand prix paddock and a Marc Marquez-like impact in the lower classes, Acosta demands attention even on paper. Not only is he a skilled and strategic rider on the track, but he also possesses a charismatic and passionate personality that makes him a true enthusiast of motorcycle racing.
While Marquez and Quartararo immediately excelled on MotoGP bikes, it was expected that Acosta would do the same. However, expectations and reality are two different things. Tech3 Gas Gas team manager Nico Goyon jokingly commented that Acosta’s presence on the track would likely divide the media’s attention with #93 (Marquez). Goyon emphasized the need to give Acosta time to learn and adapt to the MotoGP bike, as mastering the electronics, devices, and tires takes nearly a year. It is a challenging process that even competitive rookies in the past have struggled with.
Despite the cautionary advice, Acosta’s performance on the timesheets during testing is hard to ignore. He impressed at Valencia and truly announced his arrival at Sepang. While his rookie status allowed him to participate in the pre-test shakedown, it doesn’t fully explain his remarkable progress. His teammate Augusto Fernandez had the same advantage last year but wasn’t as quick. Acosta’s lap times were under the pole record and he was only a few hundredths of a second behind Brad Binder’s KTM RC16. He even completed an entire sprint simulation in the 1m58s range. Acosta openly acknowledged his successful test, expressing his comfort over one lap compared to Moto2 and delighting in seeing the names of MotoGP world champions on the timing screens alongside his own.
Acosta humbly recognized that testing is not the same as racing and highlighted the presence of experienced riders like Miller, Marini, Rins, Quartararo, and Binder who will likely be at the front during race weekends. He firmly believes that there is still a long way to go before he can challenge Binder for the status of KTM torchbearer. Acosta’s realistic outlook is reminiscent of Pecco Bagnaia’s experience in 2019. Bagnaia was also impressive in testing at Sepang but struggled throughout the season. He advised not to put too much pressure on Acosta, emphasizing his youth and the need to enjoy his rookie season while remaining competitive.
Even if Bagnaia’s cautionary tale proves true, it may not matter much in the grand scheme of things. Privately, KTM, Tech3, and Acosta’s team bosses must be thrilled with his early promise. While the attention on him will be constant, Acosta himself views pressure as just a word. He has lived with pressure every day for the past three years and is in a position where he doesn’t feel it. His job security and the confidence that he will have the opportunities he desires provide him with a sense of calm. The rookie season may be more about learning and staying healthy rather than achieving specific championship positions or consistent results. Acosta has already done enough to earn the faith and support of KTM and Gas Gas, and anything more that comes in 2024 will be a bonus.
According to the Source the-race.com