Pedro Acosta, KTM’s leading rider, showcased promising form during the first practice session of the 2026 MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram, dispelling concerns raised from his critical remarks throughout the 2025 season. Although he had openly expressed frustration over the motorcycle’s performance compared to rivals like Ducati and Aprilia, Acosta’s performance in Thailand suggested improvements had made a positive impact.
Despite skepticism about KTM’s competitiveness, the Spanish rider demonstrated encouraging pace on the track, signaling a hopeful start to the season while acknowledging further work was needed. The session was the initial step in reacquainting with the upgraded RC16 bike after the winter development phase.
Positive Feedback from Acosta on the Upgraded Motorcycle
After multiple laps, Acosta reported satisfaction with how the bike handled, even if lap-long efforts and early-race speed remained challenges. He stated,
“I’m quite satisfied, but over a full lap, and perhaps also at the beginning of long stints, we’re missing something. After a few laps, our pace is pretty good, but we still have work to do. Aprilia is incredibly fast with Bezzecchi, as are some of the Ducati riders. But we must focus on ourselves; we know our situation. There’s no point in looking at the leader.”
This reflection highlights his focus on internal progress rather than external comparisons.
Acosta also acknowledged significant strides in the bike’s performance, remarking,
“The motorcycle is faster. You no longer need to be at 100% to achieve a good time. Everything is easier. I feel more comfortable, I take fewer risks, and the other drivers also appreciate the new chassis, which is positive.”
Such changes have allowed him to aim confidently for strong race results.
Practice Results Show Acosta Among Top Contenders
In the first practice session, Pedro Acosta secured fourth place overall with a lap time of 1:29.185, while his teammate Brad Binder finished eighth. Both riders advanced to the second qualifying round, demonstrating KTM’s competitiveness early in the weekend. Reflecting on the session, the KTM Racing team expressed optimism, stating,
“Not a bad first day back at the office.”
This performance marks an encouraging turnaround for the Orange Squad as they prepare for the upcoming race.
Ongoing Challenges as Acosta Targets Top-Five Finish
Despite the progress, Acosta remains aware of the challenges ahead, especially at the race start, where speed is lacking. He explained,
“Sprinting puts us in the worst possible position because we lack speed in the first four or five laps. The important thing is that we work well together, so I remain committed to our goal, which is a top-five finish. It’s only a matter of time before we understand why. We are not fast enough at the start of the race.”
His determination to improve early-race speed will be critical in securing strong finishes throughout the season.
Future Outlook for Acosta and KTM at Buriram
Pedro Acosta’s encouraging performance on the opening day in Thailand offers renewed hope for KTM after a season marked by criticism and struggle. The improvements to the RC16, combined with Acosta’s focused approach, signal potential for a breakthrough year. As qualifying and race sessions progress, observers will watch closely to see if Acosta can convert this promising start into consistent top-tier results at the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix and beyond.
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