Pedro Acosta delivered a commanding performance at the Misano MotoGP test on Monday, overcoming previous setbacks and setting the fastest lap time of the day. After suffering a chain malfunction during the San Marino Grand Prix that cost him a strong position, Acosta returned determined to perfect his bike’s setup ahead of the demanding flyaway races in Japan, Indonesia, and Phillip Island.
Acosta Rebounds Strongly with Improved Setup and Equipment
<pThe young rider arrived at Misano with a KTM RC16 that featured a newly installed chain guide, designed to prevent the problems that had plagued him in his last race. Throughout the afternoon session, Acosta focused on refining the bike’s performance, especially in fast corners that are critical at upcoming circuits. His efforts were rewarded with a blistering lap of 1 minute 30.374 seconds, the best time recorded on his ninth lap.
This lap not only placed Acosta in first but also put him 0.387 seconds ahead of the nearest challenger, Raul Fernandez from Trackhouse Aprilia. The surge demonstrated Acosta’s rapid adaptation and increasing mastery over his machine’s capabilities following earlier difficulties.
Acosta Discusses Gains and Technical Focus During Misano Test
Reflecting on his day, Acosta expressed satisfaction with his return to form, stating,
“Quite nice to come back after yesterday to show some speed.”
He detailed his priority in improving the bike’s handling, particularly in fast sections of the track, in preparation for the specific demands of the flyaway rounds, explaining,
“I wanted to improve my best setup to be faster in the fast corners because we will have these sectors in Japan, Indonesia, and Phillip Island, and T2 in Malaysia.”
The rider also highlighted his growing comfort with the KTM bike:
“It’s already a bike that I feel much more comfortable on than at the beginning of the year. Now I can ride very naturally.”
He acknowledged the progress made during the test, adding,
“I’m happy because we made a really good step with the setup.”
Contrasting Performances Among KTM Riders at Misano
Acosta’s positive testing day contrasted with less favorable results for his KTM teammates. Enea Bastianini finished 12th, Maverick Vinales took 13th, and Brad Binder ended 14th on the combined timesheets. Veteran Dani Pedrosa, also testing at Misano, managed only the 21st fastest lap. Acosta even commented on the improved performance of his chain guide, humorously noting,
“It worked much better than yesterday!”
Outlook on the Season and Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Acosta remains optimistic about the remainder of the 2024 MotoGP season. He stated,
“We still have many good opportunities left this season and we will have time after Valencia to think about next year. A good day.”
His resurgence at Misano signals a growing confidence that could translate into strong showings at the upcoming international rounds.
Meanwhile, the MotoGP community prepares for the debut of new Pirelli tires on Tuesday, with test riders from every manufacturer participating. As the season progresses, all attention will be on whether Pedro Acosta can maintain his momentum and keep pushing forward. His performance at Misano suggests he could be a decisive contender in the title chase, highlighting an exciting future for the sport with emerging talents like him leading the way.
