Pedro Acosta matched his and KTM’s best MotoGP season result by finishing fourth at the Dutch Grand Prix, crediting his ongoing adaptation of a hard-braking riding style to better fit flowing circuits like Assen. This riding style adjustment aims to improve performance across diverse track layouts during the 2025 season.
Refining Techniques for Flowing Tracks
Acosta, known for his aggressive braking, acknowledged that while this approach yields strong results on stop-and-go circuits, it has posed challenges at flowing tracks such as Silverstone and Mugello. He explained that the team has been working to modify his style since the previous year to achieve more consistent lap times across different venues.
We are trying to change my riding style since last year, because maybe I was too fast in some tracks and too slow in others like Silverstone or [Assen],
Acosta said.
More or less, it’s working. I feel more comfortable in these flowing tracks like Silverstone, Aragon, Mugello and Assen. The bike is working quite OK. Still things to improve, of course, but we are on the way.
The 21-year-old elaborated that the main focus has been developing smoother riding techniques to enhance flow. He described his natural tendency to brake hard and the difficulty in adjusting that instinct to ride more fluidly where necessary. Even his training at home reflects this shift in approach, emphasizing conscious decisions about when to apply aggressive braking and when to adopt a smoother style.
Also, we are working a lot in the team, pointing out what I’m doing wrong and how to improve.
Maverick Vinales Embraces Smoothness on the KTM RC16
Pedro Acosta’s style evolution parallels the experience of Tech3 newcomer Maverick Vinales, who has also highlighted the advantages of a smooth riding style on the KTM RC16 platform. Vinales led early laps at the Qatar Grand Prix and finished second on track, though a post-race penalty adjusted his official result to fourth—matching Acosta’s best finish this season.
When asked about his approach, Vinales emphasized the importance of smooth riding to achieve speed on the bike.
The thing is that if you don’t ride smooth, you are not fast! So I don’t know… I think I’m following what the bike needs to be fast. It’s a good sign because it’s how I like to ride the bike.
Regarding the notion of changing the KTM’s character, he clarified his focus is on tuning his technique to the bike’s demands rather than altering its nature.
I think I’m following what the bike needs. I don’t know if I’m changing the character – I’m just following what I feel makes me faster. But still, there is room to improve. So we are on the way.
Championship Standings and Upcoming Challenges
As the MotoGP season reaches its midpoint with the upcoming race in Germany, Acosta holds eighth place in the world championship standings, while Vinales sits in tenth. Both riders and KTM continue to develop their strategies to maximize performance for the remaining races.
The ongoing adjustments to riding styles signal a broader effort within the team to elevate their competitiveness on a variety of circuits. These changes could play a pivotal role as KTM aims to build on its current momentum throughout the 2025 season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Pedro Acosta so good?
A. Just two races into 2024, Acosta has made a strong impression. In this era with new aero and ride height devices, Moto2 and MotoGP have become quite different in riding style and the skills needed to compete well.
Q. Why is Pedro Acosta number 37?
A. The Spanish rider chose number 31 as his race number for his first MotoGP season in 2024 because Augusto Fernandez was using number 37. However, when Fernandez, his 2024 Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 teammate, didn’t get a MotoGP spot for 2025, number 37 became available for Acosta.
