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KTM’s Pedro Acosta: Navigating Challenges in MotoGP

KTM test rider Pol Espargaro has shared insights regarding the journey of rookie teammate Pedro Acosta, emphasizing that victories in MotoGP do not always correlate with talent. As Acosta continues to compete on the RC16, which struggles against the superior Ducati GP24, Espargaro encourages him to practice patience.

Acosta appears to be feeling the weight of expectations as he grapples with the limitations of his machinery. Recently, he expressed dissatisfaction after finishing 13th in the Austrian Grand Prix, a position that left him disheartened given his initial enthusiasm heading into the event. His commitment to improvement was highlighted by a visit to KTM’s headquarters in Mattighofen last month, demonstrating his proactive approach to influencing the team’s trajectory.

Espargaro believes that the 20-year-old rider must recognize that success in MotoGP involves more than sheer speed; it requires a competitive bike. His comments underscored the unpredictability of the sport, contrasting it with sports where the fastest consistently triumphs, like athletics. “Acosta has to understand that, for better or worse, the misfortune of MotoGP is that the best, or the fastest, does not always win,” he stated. He acknowledged that Acosta’s youthful ambition and talent make waiting for improvements particularly challenging.

Making Strides Towards Future Competitiveness

Espargaro expressed optimism about KTM’s efforts to narrow the competitive gap. He is confident that progress is on the horizon, particularly with the 2025 season potentially offering a stronger challenge to the dominance exhibited by Ducati in recent races. “We are working as hard as possible to catch up with the Ducati,” he noted, encouraging Acosta to maintain his belief in the KTM project and the progress they are striving for.

In the recent Austrian Grand Prix, Espargaro competed as a wildcard rider, finishing two positions ahead of Acosta, which further highlighted the disparity in performance between the riders. Meanwhile, KTM’s other test rider, Dani Pedrosa, recently conducted private testing with a variant of the RC16 at Misano. Although Acosta could not participate due to regulatory restrictions, he chose to observe the testing session, demonstrating his commitment to the team’s advancements.

A Balancing Act for a Young Talent

Acosta’s involvement in the test at Misano reflects his dedication, but it has also sparked concerns that he may be taking on too much responsibility at such a young age. A seasoned MotoGP technician, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed that the pressure he faces is considerable, acknowledging Acosta’s remarkable talent while cautioning against the expectation to bear the entire weight of KTM’s performance. “Nobody disputes Acosta’s quality… Personally, I think he has put the whole of KTM on his back and that’s too much for such a young guy, no matter how good he is – which he is,” the technician remarked.

As Acosta navigates these challenges, balancing his ambition with the realities of the sport, the ongoing support from experienced teammates like Espargaro will be pivotal in shaping his development and the future of KTM in MotoGP.

Source
www.autosport.com