Pedro Acosta, a promising talent from KTM, approached the recent Sepang test with careful control, finishing eighth while focusing on preserving performance for the upcoming Thailand race. His cautious tactics at the Malaysian circuit reflect a clear plan to maximize speed and competitiveness on the Buriram track.
Significant Progress and Confidence Gained Ahead of Thai GP
Acosta openly shared his goal was to avoid crashes during the demanding three-day Sepang session, stating,
“Here, I was just trying to avoid falling,”
which highlights his tactical restraint. Despite the challenging track conditions, he noted marked improvements in his KTM RC16, building optimism for Thailand.
Reflecting on his previous year’s difficulties, Acosta celebrated a clean testing run this season: Not a single crash! This success, combined with the upgrades to his bike and consistent effort, boosted his confidence. He remarked,
“I could have easily cracked the top five if I hadn’t chosen the best tires when the conditions were less than ideal,”
emphasizing both his potential and the importance of strategic choices.
Adjustments to KTM Setup and Encouraging Test Feedback
During the Sepang test, Acosta experimented with KTM’s chassis options, starting with the new model before returning to the older one, eventually completing the sessions on the standard 2025 configuration. He contrasted this experience with last year’s struggles, sharing,
“The sensations are not negative, unlike last year’s tests.”
While Ducati remains the benchmark in terms of outright pace, Acosta highlighted progress in KTM’s performance:
“Our RC16 operates better than in 2025.”
Preparation Focused on Thailand Race Performance
Acosta acknowledged the uphill battle KTM faces against Ducati’s speed advantage but expressed eagerness to optimize his performance for the circuit in Buriram. He explained,
“In Thailand, I’ll focus on pure performance because here I was just trying to stay on two wheels and maximize my time on the track,”
signaling a shift from caution to assertiveness.
He also voiced clear confidence in his team’s efforts, stating,
“I have a clear vision of the bike I want,”
which demonstrates his commitment to refining both bike setup and his approach. Recognizing the intense competition, Acosta remains motivated to see how KTM stacks up against rivals in Thailand’s challenging conditions.
Outlook Ahead of the Thailand Grand Prix
Pedro Acosta expressed satisfaction with the recent progress, noting,
“I’m happy with our progress, especially considering Sepang isn’t my favorite track,”
underscoring his readiness to deliver stronger performances. As the MotoGP paddock shifts focus towards Buriram, fans and experts alike will observe whether Acosta’s cautious work at Sepang paves the way for a decisive, competitive display in Thailand.
