Pedro Acosta described the 2026 KTM MotoGP bike as “slightly easier to ride,” reflecting progress following a challenging previous season where he crashed five times during the Sepang test. The Austrian manufacturer introduced new aero parts, chassis updates, and a revised swingarm at the Sepang test in Malaysia, aiming to enhance performance for the upcoming season.
KTM’s Development and Acosta’s Testing Experience
KTM entered the winter with confidence in their updates, and Acosta’s testing confirmed several improvements. Despite adverse weather conditions, he managed to place fourth on the second day of the rain-hit test. Reflecting on last season, Acosta acknowledged,
“Last year, I remember that here I crashed like five times in the test and three again in the race weekend.”
He emphasized the difficulty of pushing hard under those conditions but remained optimistic about the current bike’s advancement.
Acosta noted the intensive work KTM has carried out over the offseason, saying,
“I am quite happy for how things are going. It’s true that we were working a lot this winter.”
His focus during testing was largely on aerodynamics, with long days spent evaluating the new setup, including chassis configurations.
Despite not being able to complete all testing due to weather limitations, Acosta was encouraged:
“But I’m happy. We were quite fast. There’s still work to do. For the weather, we were not able to test all of our schedule.”
Acosta’s Perspective on Aero and Future Directions
The aerodynamic upgrades introduced by KTM have drawn praise from Acosta, who expressed contentment with the current package. However, he remains cautious until comparing his experience with other riders, stating,
“It’s true that I still need to check the other guys and see what direction the manufacturer takes. But it looks quite ok, in my opinion.”
Concerns About Tyre Life and Upcoming Test Focus
Tyre wear was a significant issue for KTM last year, persisting through both testing and race weekends. Although the current test has not provided extensive long-run data, Acosta is cautiously optimistic about the progress. He plans to focus on tyre durability in the next session, noting,
“It looks like it is better. But never say never.”
This cautious approach underscores KTM’s ongoing efforts to address one of their key weaknesses from previous seasons.
Looking Ahead for KTM and Acosta’s Season Prospects
Pedro Acosta’s reflections on KTM’s 2026 MotoGP bike reveal a rider hopeful yet measured in his expectations after a difficult prior year. The improvements in bike handling and aero design offer clear momentum as KTM prepares for the season ahead. Continued testing will be crucial in refining tyre management and overall performance, potentially positioning Acosta and KTM to be more competitive throughout the next campaign.
