At Jerez on Saturday, KTM rider Pedro Acosta was left disappointed, unable to better his position, ultimately qualifying in last place during Q2. This unfortunate outcome meant he would start the race from the 12th spot on the grid, eliminating any hope of contending for a podium finish and placing him with the task of making a significant comeback amidst a highly competitive field.
Despite his struggles on Saturday, Acosta had shown promise during Friday’s sessions, managing to secure a top 10 finish that guaranteed his spot in Q2. However, everything changed during the crucial qualifying session, where he failed to deliver a fast lap, landing him on the fourth row of the starting grid. This left him with a steep uphill battle for the Spanish Grand Prix sprint race, and he ultimately crossed the finish line in 10th position, trailing the race leader by a full 12.6 seconds, which equates to just over one second per lap.
Reflecting on his performance, Acosta said, “I hoped for more, but we have to continue working and learning things; there are many things we’re missing. I don’t understand how things changed so much between qualifying, when the feeling wasn’t very bad, and the Sprint, when the temperature rose and it changed the behaviour of the asphalt.” His frustration was palpable as he described how the conditions seemed to affect his bike’s performance drastically.
Despite the challenges he faced, Acosta did find a silver lining in the consistency showcased by his fellow competitor, Maverick Viñales, who finished in 7th place as the leading non-Ducati rider. “It’s clear that if anyone can go fast on our bike, it’s a good sign, and one we have to welcome,” said Acosta. He acknowledged how Maverick’s experiences and insights contributed positively, noting, “He’s a rider with a lot of experience; he developed the Suzuki, he went quick on a Yamaha, and he did well with the Aprilia.” Acosta recognized the importance of learning from other experienced riders in navigating their own struggles.
Looking ahead to the race, he expressed skepticism yet hope, stating, “Tomorrow, the race will be a ‘surprise,’ and I’m hoping that the medium compound tire helps us and keeps the vibrations down, like in Qatar, but tire wear is going to be an issue for everyone with a long race distance.” The anticipation surrounding such races often adds an extra layer of intensity, as riders strategize with equipment choices and tire management.
A month can change a lot in MotoGP, and reflecting back to his previous thoughts earlier in the season, Acosta had proclaimed that the upcoming test in Jerez would be “the most important day of the year,” a sentiment that may have waned after the recent events. He remarked, “I don’t know what Monday will bring; without a doubt, it’s an important day. But it’s also true that we have two races after that, as well as a test at Aragón [on June 9th] that will also be important.” Clearly, he understands the stakes but felt a sense of urgency to prioritize immediate results before focusing on future tests.
Even at just 20 years of age, Acosta has accumulated five years of experience in World Championship racing, including his second in the prestigious MotoGP category. However, he candidly admitted that this moment has been his most challenging to date. “It’s the most frustrating moment in my life,” he confessed. “It’s not easy feeling so limited, or like my hands are tied. But you have to keep working. The fact that Maverick is having good races is exciting. We have to learn how to do it.” Acosta’s determination shines through as he strives to overcome the obstacles he faces.
The current season has unfolded differently than last year, where Acosta had been the leading reference point for the KTM factory team. “I don’t really care so much who the reference point is for KTM. As long as we have a bike that’s working, it’s fine for me,” he stated, emphasizing the need for results rather than titles.
He concluded with a deep sense of frustration, saying, “The problem comes when you arrive at a track with a clear goal in mind, and for one reason or another, you can’t achieve it no matter what you do. No matter how difficult it is, you usually have road A or road B to climb a mountain. But if there is no road, that’s when it’s frustrating.” The weight of expectation and the desire for improvement fuels Acosta’s desire to rise above his current struggles and reclaim his spot among the top competitors in MotoGP.
