At the 2026 Sepang test, Pedro Acosta demonstrated promising performance on his KTM, benefiting from a new aerodynamic component that Ducati had attempted to ban during the offseason. The 21-year-old Spaniard ranked consistently among the fastest on the track in Malaysia, ending the final day with one of the best average lap times during Sprint Race simulations.
Acosta recorded the fourth-best average lap time in the Sprint runs, posting a 1:58.676 over 10 laps, trailing the fastest rider by just 0.648 seconds. This strong pace places him in competitive standing as the season approaches.
Prominent Riders Leading Sprint Race Pace at Sepang
Alex Marquez of Gresini topped the Sprint Race averages on Thursday with a 1:58.028, followed by Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia (1:58.166) and Honda’s Marc Marquez (1:58.289). Among the KTM contingent, Tech3’s Enea Bastianini was the only other KTM rider to break into the top ten, signifying KTM’s growing potential.
Positive Feedback on KTM’s Leg Wing Design from Acosta and Experts
Although comparing lap times during testing is difficult due to variations in fuel loads and bike settings, the Sepang test underscored the positive impact of KTM’s newly introduced leg wings on Acosta’s RC16. Inspired by similar aerodynamic parts that Aprilia and Honda utilized last season, these appendages are installed behind the riders’ legs next to the seat, enhancing bike stability and performance.
Jack Appleyard, commenting on MotoGP’s Midday Live, highlighted KTM’s advancements in this area:
KTM have made some strides forward, in particular,
he remarked.
Pedro Acosta, in particular, [is] very happy with that. [He] can feel a real difference on the bike and likes that addition, as well as reshaping and reforming the rear seat unit. So, KTM have been hard at work.
Appleyard’s insight confirms the technical progress KTM has achieved through these aerodynamic innovations.
Ducati’s Attempt to Ban Leg Wings and the FIM’s Decision
Over the winter, reports emerged that Ducati sought to have MotoGP prohibit the use of leg wings after witnessing Aprilia’s effective deployment in 2025, followed by Honda’s adoption of similar parts. However, this proposed ban did not materialize as MotoGP officials could not identify sufficient safety concerns to justify outlawing the components.
Concerns had arisen following the 2025 post-season Valencia test, suggesting that these leg wings might cause riders to become entangled with their bikes during crashes. Nevertheless, with no concrete evidence supporting these risks, the FIM decided to allow the parts to remain in use.
Future Outlook: Regulation Changes and Acosta’s Ambitions
MotoGP is planning a regulatory overhaul by 2027, introducing 850cc engines and banning ride height devices. As part of this update, the FIM is expected to revisit rules related to leg wings, possibly affecting their use once again. Despite this, Acosta is banking on KTM’s leg wings to enhance his competitiveness against Ducati in the 2026 season, aiming to secure his maiden MotoGP victory.
Speculation surrounds Acosta’s future, as reports indicate he is close to signing a two-year contract with Ducati for 2027, driven by frustration over KTM’s development pace with the RC16. This impending switch could prove pivotal for Acosta’s career trajectory and Ducati’s team dynamics.
