Pedro Acosta (GASGAS/2.): “Maverick war unstoppable” / MotoGP

His “first time” on a MotoGP rocket at the incomparable Austin race was another impressive ride for the rookie of the GASGAS-Tech3 team of Hervé Poncharal. As if Acosta roaring off the front row of the grid in his third race at the complex track wasn’t spectacular enough, the youngest driver in the field made the best start of the race. For the first time in his very short career in the major league, the Moto2 world champion led the MotoGP race.

Only friend Maverick Viñales improved his sports performance on this day. Acosta once again showed an impressive ride, fighting for victory throughout the race and was on the podium for the second time after 20 long laps in the third MotoGP race. Pedro Acosta was just 1.7 seconds away from his first win in the premier class. The 18-year-old spoke fondly of the race after the awards ceremony.

Pedro Acosta: “Yes, today was a special experience. I have had very exciting races in Austin before, but today was another level. I really enjoyed it from the beginning.”

Like the winner Viñales, Acosta also took a bit of a tire gamble: “Shortly before the start I saw my crew chief Paul moving and communicating with everyone and then we decided on the rear tire for a short time. It was dangerous because I had no experience with it. Also because we actually had a driving plan every time with the same overall coordination. I mean, I’ve actually been driving the same setup since the Valencia test. But it was definitely the right thing to do – I definitely couldn’t have completed that race with any other tyre.”

The GASGAS Tech3 racer was also pleased with the changes compared to the sprint race on Saturday. Although the distance was short, I slowed down early on Saturday. After Jorge passed me, the tires started to deflate. Today was much better and somehow worked to spread the pace throughout the race. I am very happy with our work.”

The Spaniard, who had now risen to fourth place in the World Championship thanks to his second place, had words of thanks for the winner: “In short, Maverick was not completely defeated. Of course, I did what I could for a while to deal with it. I stopped him a few times, I tried to break even later, but there was no chance, his speed was too high. Today he was untouchable.”

After the show in the United States, Pedro Acosta is no longer a sensation. It’s already common knowledge that the #31 is a solid loudspeaker contender. Or as Marc Márquez concluded at the season opener in Qatar: “Pedro is the champion and his first victory is only a matter of time.”

US GP Results:
1. Maverick Viñales (L) Aprilia 41:09.503 minutes.
2. Pedro Acosta (E) GASGAS +1.728 sec.
3. Enea Bastianini (I) Ducati +2.703 sec.
4. Jorge Martín (L) Pramac Ducati +4.690 sec.
5. Francesco Bagnaia (I) Ducati +7.392 sec.
6. Fabio Di Giannantonio (I) VR46 Ducati +9.980 sec.
7. Aleix Espargaró (E) Aprilia +12.208 seconds.
8. Marco Bezzecchi (I) VR46 Ducati +13.343 sec.
9. Brad Binder (ZA) KTM +14.931 sec.
10. Raúl Fernández (E) Trackhouse Aprilia +16.656 sec.
11. Miguel Oliveira (P) Trackhouse Aprilia +18,542 sec.
12. Fabio Quartararo (F) Yamaha +22,899 sec.
13. Jack Miller (AUS) KTM +24,011 sec.
14. Augusto Fernandez (E) GASGAS +27.652 sec.
15. Alex Márquez (L) Gresini Ducati +32.855 sec.
16. Luca Marini (I) Repsol Honda +33,528 sec.
17. Marc Márquez (ESP) Gresini Ducati out
18. Alex Rins (E) Yamaha out
19. Joan Mir (E) Repsol Honda out
20. Franco Morbidelli (I) Pramac Ducati out
21. Takaaki Nakagami (J) LCR Honda out
22. Johann Zarco (F) LCR Honda out

World Championship of Drivers to Austin:
1. Martin 80
2. Bastianini 59
3. Vinales 56
4. Acosta 54
5. Bagnaia 50
6. Fastener 49
7. Espargaro 39
8. Marc Marquez 36
9. And Giannantonio 25
10. Miller 22
11. Bezzecchi 20
12. Every quarter
13. Alex Márquez 14
14. Oliveira 13
15. Raúl Fernández 7
16. Augusto Fernandez 7
17. Mir 7
18. Zarco 5
19. When 3
20. Nakagami 2
21. Morbidelli 0
22. Marini 0

Designers:
1. Ducati 96
2. KTM 76
3. April 72
4. Yamaha 19
5. Honda 8
Team:
1. Ducati Lenovo 109
2. April 95
3. Pramac 80
4. KTM 71
5. YEAR 61
6. Grease 50
7. VR46 45
8. Yamaha 22
9. Trackhouse 20
10. Honda 7
11. LCR 7