Pedro Acosta confirmed that KTM will introduce a new update at the Italian MotoGP, derived from the recent Aragon test, but described it as “nothing outstanding” in addressing the challenges he has faced this season. The 21-year-old Spanish rider hopes to build on his solid performance from the Aragon Grand Prix, where he finished fourth after contending for a podium early in the race.
Acosta acknowledged KTM’s slow progress in 2025, emphasizing before Aragon that the interval between that round and the British Grand Prix provided sufficient time for the team to bring meaningful improvements. However, ahead of the Mugello race weekend, he expressed tempered expectations about KTM making a significant leap forward with the new update.
Reflecting on Aragon’s strong showing and current testing conditions
Speaking on Thursday at Mugello, Acosta shared his thoughts following the post-race test at Aragon, describing the experience as “quite happy” but cautious about drawing firm conclusions due to better track conditions during testing compared to the race weekend.
“Well I was quite happy after the Aragon test, but it’s quite difficult after a test to take a clear conclusion because the track is much better than during the weekend,”
—Pedro Acosta, KTM rider
He added,
“But anyway, let’s see. I think something new we can use here, but nothing outstanding to solve our problems.”
—Pedro Acosta, KTM rider
Targeting consistency and competitiveness similar to Aragon
Acosta’s objective for the Italian Grand Prix weekend is to replicate the consistent performance he delivered at Aragon. He hopes the moderate upgrade and his own racecraft can help him maintain a strong pace and remain competitive near the front of the field.
“Let’s see if we can make a weekend like Aragon where we were constant and on top and let’s see where we can arrive in Sunday’s race.”
—Pedro Acosta, KTM rider
Asked whether his past good results at Mugello might give him confidence for this race, Acosta replied simply, “We hope.”
Season progress and competitors’ pace at Mugello
Acosta reflected on how the Aragon round marked the first occasion this season where he felt genuinely strong, despite falling short of podium contention. He noted that although he managed overtakes early in the race and sustained a decent pace, rival riders like Pecco Bagnaia, Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín, and Enea Bastianini remained at a higher level at Mugello last year.
Nevertheless, his goal for 2025 remains to close that gap as much as possible and aim for a solid race weekend comparable to Aragon’s results.
“And if we can fight at the beginning of the race, this will be a good weekend already.”
—Pedro Acosta, KTM rider
Looking ahead: Challenges and ambitions for KTM in 2025
While the incremental update arriving from KTM’s Austrian team might not provide a breakthrough solution, Acosta’s focus is on leveraging any progress to maintain a competitive edge. The Italian Grand Prix presents an opportunity to build momentum, and replicating the consistency demonstrated at Aragon could be crucial in his 2025 campaign.
As the team continues to develop, Acosta’s realistic approach emphasizes steady improvement rather than expecting dramatic transformations, with the hope of narrowing the distance to the frontrunners and battling closer to the podium in upcoming rounds.
