Pedro Acosta (KTM): “I want more than everything” / MotoGP

Pedro Acosta (KTM): “I want more than everything” / MotoGP


In Barcelona, ​​​​​​​​Pedro Acosta gave the engineers feedback on the innovation on the RC16 during his first test with the KTM factory team. The Austrian manufacturer is breaking new ground to catch up with class leader Ducati.

The rise of Pedro Acosta (KTM) was meteoric: in 2021 he won Moto3 in his first season, and two years later he was crowned Moto2 world champion. The Spaniard quickly established himself in MotoGP and rose to the top of the field of KTM riders. On Tuesday, Acosta was able to test the factory team’s RC16 for the first time, which he will race alongside Brad Binder in 2025.

Acosta finished the Barcelona test in 9th place – a result that says little about the Spaniard’s actual performance. The emphasis was on development work. “I tried four or five different methods,” Acosta explained. “For Brad, the focus was on electronics. I am satisfied because we were able to reach important conclusions in the area of ​​aerodynamics.”

Some of the displays tested were innovative – one of them had a very narrow mirror. KTM is also using a new approach to the front and lower air ducts, which are used in MotoGP for cooling components such as electrics or engines and for aerodynamics. “This is a new way for us, my first impression is positive,” Acosta reported.

The 20-year-old was particularly impressed by the stability of the bike. “It’s quieter,” he said. The comments from two new riders who will switch to KTM from different manufacturers in 2025 are important for further development: “This is important to gather new ideas.”

Another feature of the test was the new classification of Michelin tires. “I drove the soft option, at first it was difficult not to overdo the tire. “It feels very soft and is much better than the Misano tire,” explained Acosta. However, he does not believe that the new generation of tires will be used in 2025. He gave MotoGP rookies some advice: “You have to learn understand tires.”

Finally, Acosta expressed his desire for further development of the RC16 until the Sepang test in February. “I want more power, more training, more of everything,” he joked first, then added seriously: “If we improve traction and have a more stable bike, I’ll be happy.”

Acosta had a small but symbolic moment when he returned to the test with his starting number: Due to the departure of Augusto Fernandez as a regular driver, he can take his starting number 37 – the number in which Acosta has become world champion. every class so far.

Results of the MotoGP test in Barcelona (November 19):

1. Alex Márquez (E), Ducati, 1:38,803 minutes
2. Fabio Quartararo (F), Yamaha, +0.396 sec
3. Francesco Bagnaia (I), Ducati, +0.595
4. Marc Márquez (E), Ducati, +0.651
5. Raúl Fernandez (E), Aprilia, +0,668
6. Brad Binder (ZA), KTM, +0.705
7. Franco Morbidelli (I), Ducati, +0.762
8. Alex Rins (E), Yamaha, +0,765
9. Pedro Acosta (L), KTM, +0.768
10. Johann Zarco (F), Honda, +0.813
11. Jorge Martín (E), Aprilia, +1,056
12. Maverick Viñales (E), KTM, +1.084
13. Marco Bezzecchi (I), Aprilia, +1.192
14. Aleix Espargaró (E), Honda, +1,204
15. Joan Mir (E), Honda, +1,267
16. Enea Bastianini (I), KTM, +1,279
17. Miguel Oliveira (P), Yamaha, +1,335
18. Luca Marini (I), Honda, +1.429
19. Michele Pirro (I), Ducati, +1.683
20. Fermin Aldeguer (E), Ducati, +1,761
21. Ai Ogura (J), Aprilia, +2,143
22. Jack Miller (AUS), Yamaha, +2,222
23. Somkiat Chantra (TH), Honda, +2,492
24. Lorenzo Savadori (I), Aprilia, +8,793

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