Pedro Acosta expressed confusion about the significant tyre wear he experienced during the MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix, despite data showing he was managing his tyres carefully. The Spaniard arrived at Motegi, a circuit where he had shown strength throughout 2024, feeling optimistic after improved results since the summer break.
During the race, Acosta initially contested for a podium position but soon encountered rapid tyre degradation that forced him to fall back. His struggles culminated in running off track at Turn 1 late in the race, which left him outside the points. As the MotoGP field prepares for the upcoming Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika, Acosta and KTM remain unable to pinpoint the reasons behind the unexpected drop in tyre performance despite the rider’s efforts to conserve grip.
When questioned about changes to the bike or setup compared with prior success at Motegi, Acosta stated, “Not that much.” He explained that the race pace this year was much faster, citing the record-setting fastest race lap made by Pecco Bagnaia as an indicator of the heightened speed level. Reflecting on his race performance, he noted his attempts to overtake early on, but after several unsuccessful tries, he settled into a position, only to be surprised by the level of tyre wear he suffered.
Acosta added,
“It’s true that we were not expecting that high degradation of the tyres. We don’t understand why because all the data we checked, it looked like I was managing a lot.”
He acknowledged particular tyre challenges during the sprint race but asserted that throughout the main race he followed all team instructions diligently while pushing as hard as possible.
And even like this it was not possible to finish the race with the tyres. Now we have to evaluate with the data and keep going because we are showing potential.
– Pedro Acosta, MotoGP Rider
KTM’s resilience amid setbacks and maintaining performance potential
This disappointing finish in Japan marked Acosta’s second consecutive race without points, following a mechanical failure at the San Marino Grand Prix, where a chain issue forced him to retire. Despite these back-to-back challenges, Acosta remains confident in KTM’s ability to recover quickly and make the most of difficult situations.
He emphasized that the bike has continued to show promise across a variety of tracks and conditions, even when faced with unexpected issues.
“At the moment we are making good races,”
he stated. Acosta explained that KTM and he have frequently managed to recover from problems late in race weekends to secure solid results, highlighting the team’s persistence and adaptability.
Acosta reflected on the recent races, noting the difficulty of consecutive setbacks that were beyond his and the team’s control after a stretch of consistent top-five finishes with no errors.
“When I talk ‘in our hands’, I mean KTM’s and my hands. This was quite hard to take because I was coming from many races without making mistakes, without doing stupid things,”
he said, revealing the frustration and disappointment caused by circumstances outside their influence.
Despite the disappointments, Acosta pointed out positives seen in Japan during practice sessions and qualifying, where he performed better than usual, as well as in the sprint race.
“The only problem was the race. For this, now we have to keep going, feet on the ground and try to give our best,”
he added.
At the moment we are making good races. We are showing good potential, even in many different tracks, with many different problems around, we are more or less saving the weekend at the last moment. Now we have to try to not have any problems, try to have a consistent weekend, and keep this rhythm because at the moment we are showing good potential.
– Pedro Acosta, MotoGP Rider
Looking ahead to the Indonesian Grand Prix
As the MotoGP paddock shifts focus to the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika, Pedro Acosta and KTM aim to resolve the tyre wear mystery and return to form. Understanding the causes of the unexpected degradation is crucial for improving race durability and ensuring competitiveness.
Acosta’s experience underscores the challenges riders and teams face in balancing aggressive pace with tyre management, particularly on faster tracks with evolving race conditions. KTM’s demonstrated resilience and Acosta’s determination suggest they will approach the next rounds with renewed focus, hoping to avoid mechanical misfortunes and tyre troubles that have recently hindered progress.
