These are tough times for KTM in MotoGP, as the RC16 has been plagued by chronic vibration issues. The latest version of the bike appears to be slower than its predecessor from the previous year, complicating the challenges faced by the broader KTM company, which has now been placed into administration. Star factory rider Pedro Acosta is increasingly being linked with potential moves to escape the team that has nurtured his remarkable talent.
The situation within the KTM team has been compounded by the unimpressive performances from other riders as well. Brad Binder, who scored groundbreaking victories for the team in the past, has rarely made an impact aboard a factory KTM recently. Additionally, new Tech3 recruit Enea Bastianini has been less remarkable than any new recruit on the 2025 grid, including Aprilia’s Jorge Martin, who has spent a larger part of the season sidelined with injuries.
When it comes to KTM’s prospects, fans have always relied on the youthful genius and enthusiasm of Pedro Acosta. However, recent evidence from the last three race weekends raises questions about Acosta’s current form and highlights the stirring presence of Tech3’s other new arrival—Maverick Vinales, who is ten years Acosta’s senior. As both riders compete for the spotlight, it seems Vinales might be stepping up at a crucial moment.
Maverick Vinales’ Recent Performance
Vinales made headlines when he qualified for Q2, ultimately achieving an encouraging 10th place for the Americas GP last month. After an uninspiring start to the season with his new team and bike, paddock insiders speculated about the Spaniard’s affinity for the Texas circuit, where he previously secured a dominant victory a year ago. Nonetheless, despite the improvement, he was still trailing Acosta, who had qualified fourth. This raised the question of whether Acosta could still wring a lap out of his bike while Vinales struggled with his performance.
Even after retiring from the sprint race due to the dreaded vibrations, Vinales maintained that his potential was there for a top-six finish. When he faced a chaotic situation on the starting grid due to a technical problem, his performance became the subject of ridicule. Acosta’s performance didn’t shine either, as he dropped to seventh in the sprint and also retired from the grand prix.
After the Texas GP, where Vinales managed to secure success, fans and analysts were left pondering how Vinales managed to line up sixth at the next race in Qatar, ahead of Acosta. Vinales’ stunning run to second place at the Qatar GP, during which he led a portion of the race, suggests that his form is improving rapidly—raising eyebrows as to Acosta’s relative decline.
The Pressure on Pedro Acosta
As the racing calendar moved to Jerez, a familiar and anticipated track, anticipation grew among fans and experts alike. Some anticipated a return to form for Acosta, but those hopes were dashed when he failed to earn a direct ticket to Q2 on Friday. Conversely, Vinales embraced his opportunities, dominating Q1 and then surpassing Acosta in Q2, where he qualified sixth while Acosta landed in 12th.
In the sprint race that followed, Vinales continued to impress, securing a strong finish while Acosta struggled to find his footing, finishing in 10th place. These results serve as a stark reminder of how quickly the fortunes within a racing team can shift. Just a few races prior, it would have been unfathomable to consider Vinales finishing ahead of Acosta.
Manuel Cazeaux, Vinales’ crew chief, firmly believes that the former Yamaha rider has learned from past mistakes and is becoming a stronger competitor. “Maverick has learned a lot from the mistakes of the past,” Cazeaux remarked, referring to Vinales’ often rocky career. “He has analyzed his career and said: ‘OK, I have made mistakes’ and he has learned from them. Now he has a lot of confidence.”
The Growing Speculation
As the thought of Vinales consistently rivaling Acosta arises, there is growing speculation around Acosta’s long-term future in the KTM team. The young rider, once hailed as KTM’s expected star, may be questioning his position amid Vinales’ recent rise. With the uncertainty surrounding KTM, and particular attention to the company’s internal struggles, one cannot ignore how vital Vinales’ performances are for boosting team morale.
Recent financial issues at KTM have raised serious concerns regarding its performance and the broader implications for its staff. Starting next week, production at KTM’s factory in Mattighofen will again be halted for three months due to supply shortages, which casts further uncertainty over the future of the team’s MotoGP endeavors.
Pierer Mobility, the parent company of KTM, is attempting to secure external capital by pledging shares ahead of a looming deadline on May 23, when approximately €600 million must be deposited into a trust account. The situation has escalated to a point where Acosta’s struggles, finishing outside the top 10, likely contribute to the feelings of disillusionment among team members.
The Road Ahead
In a rapidly evolving landscape for the KTM MotoGP team, the pressure mounts on every rider, particularly regarding whether Pedro Acosta can reclaim his status as KTM’s star talent. If Maverick Vinales continues this upward trajectory, the dynamic within the team will undoubtedly shift, leaving questions of what lies ahead for Acosta. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming races, the implications of these developments are significant; they could dictate not only the current season’s outcomes but also the future of the riders involved.
The next few races will prove pivotal not just for Vinales’ emerging status but also for Pedro Acosta’s place within the team he has journeyed with thus far. As the battles continue on the tarmac, the shadow of speculation hangs heavy, raising questions about who will emerge as KTM’s definitive star in this thrilling saga of MotoGP racing.
