In an open interview, MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta expressed his opinion on the current state of personalities of riders in the sport, advocating for a return to more genuine and natural characters, similar to legends Kevin Schwantz and Casey Stoner. Acosta, who quickly became a sensation at the beginning of the 2024 season with a surprising debut in Qatar, followed by a podium finish in Portugal, shared his views before the COTA round, emphasizing the need for riders to be more authentic and less influenced by external expectations.
During the press conference, Acosta reflected on his early experiences in the sport and the influence of iconic riders. He shared a personal anecdote about Kevin Schwantz, recalling how Schwantz was the only rider who spent four hours engaging with fans at an event in Jerez when Acosta was just eight years old. Acosta also mentioned the importance of riders maintaining their natural character, suggesting that the paddock could benefit from personalities similar to Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa, who were known for their straightforward and unfiltered approach.
The comments from the Spanish rider sparked discussions about the evolution of personalities in MotoGP and the impact of media and commercial pressures. Acosta’s call for a return to more genuine characters resonates with fans who fondly remember the distinct personalities of riders like Schwantz and Stoner, who not only stood out on the track but also left a memorable mark through their unique personalities.
