Pedro Acosta is wasting no time making an impression as an official KTM MotoGP rider. During a grueling day of testing at Montmeló, the 19-year-old Spaniard finished ninth overall but left the paddock buzzing with his focused and productive approach. Now draped in KTM’s signature orange, Acosta is showing he’s ready to take the factory team to new heights.
Morning Glory, Afternoon Grind
Acosta’s day started on a high note, clocking the third-fastest lap of the morning with a time of 1:39.571. While he couldn’t improve during the afternoon session, the rookie focused heavily on fine-tuning the KTM’s aerodynamics and electronics, a deliberate choice in preparation for the upcoming season.
“Considering how much we worked on aerodynamics all day, and on the medium tyre, it didn’t go too badly,” Acosta said. “I’m happy to be home again, working with the team.”
Mastering the Details: “I Want It All”
Unlike other rookies who might focus on adapting to the bike, Acosta jumped straight into development mode. He tested no fewer than five fairing designs, aiming to strike a balance between speed, stability, and cornering precision.
“The goal is to calm the bike down a bit and make sure the controls work properly without compromising speed or turning ability,” Acosta explained. “We’ve improved in a couple of important areas, but I want it all.”
The KTM’s aerodynamic package remains a key focus, particularly in managing wheelies and ensuring the electronics complement the bike’s performance. Acosta’s meticulous feedback and alignment with teammate Brad Binder’s insights demonstrate his maturity beyond his years.
Finding Comfort in the Details
Acosta also praised smaller ergonomic changes, such as a new saddle design, which provided better leg positioning and was well-received across the team. These minor tweaks, tested at Misano and refined in Barcelona, are expected to make a noticeable difference in race conditions.
“The saddle was more about comfort, but it’s worked well for everyone,” he said. “The position feels more natural.”
“Coming Home”: Acosta Embraces KTM Family
Despite a year away, Acosta expressed excitement about reuniting with the KTM factory setup, describing the experience as a homecoming.
“This is like the ‘Come home for Christmas’ advert,” he joked. “I’ve grown up with these people since I was 15, and now it feels like I’m back where I belong.”
Acosta’s sense of familiarity with the team allowed him to approach the test day with confidence, focusing on refining the KTM rather than addressing legacy issues from his Moto2 days.
Teaming Up with Viñales and Bastianini
Acosta also took time to evaluate his new teammates, Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini. Riding alongside Viñales offered valuable aerodynamic insights, with Acosta noting the Spaniard’s competitive pace.
“I was riding with Maverick today because I needed someone fast for aerodynamic testing,” Acosta explained. “His comments have been very positive, and he was riding well. After two or three years with Aprilia, it’s normal to have some quirks, but Maverick will be competitive.”
As for Bastianini, a crash cut his day short, but Acosta remained focused on his own objectives.
Eyes on the Future
With KTM gearing up for a demanding season featuring stops in Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond, Acosta is laying the groundwork for success. His disciplined approach to testing, combined with his natural talent and synergy with the team, has KTM optimistic about the future.
“It’s been a long day of trying to understand which path we need to take,” Acosta said. “But I’m very happy with the progress we’ve made.”
Acosta’s Rising Star
Pedro Acosta’s performance in the Barcelona tests signals that he’s not just another MotoGP rookie. With a strong focus on development and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the young Spaniard is poised to make waves in 2025. KTM’s faith in him seems well-placed, as Acosta balances learning, contributing, and delivering results with remarkable poise.
All eyes now turn to the next tests, where the “shark” of Murcia will continue refining his ride for what promises to be an electrifying debut season in MotoGP’s premier class.
