MotoGP rookie Pedro Acosta is already setting new standards, says Pol Espargaro and talks about the up-and-coming Spaniard’s “unique” riding style
In the two years in which Pedro Acosta fought for the Moto2 title, many experts were convinced that the young Spaniard would also prove his exceptional talent in MotoGP. And that’s exactly what the 20-year-old did
After seven race weekends, he is the best-placed KTM rider in the overall standings, celebrating three sprint and two Grand Prix podiums. His fellow riders agree: Acosta will go far. Pol Espargaro, who virtually lost his regular position at Tech3 to Acosta at the end of 2023, is also convinced of this.
In the “Por Orejas” podcast of the Spanish edition of Motorsport.com, today’s KTM test rider says: “We have praised Pedro a lot, but we have to understand that what he has done is not something normal. It is not something natural. We probably won’t see this again in MotoGP for many years.”
Espargaro even describes Acosta as “a genius”, because what he does cannot be copied. “I saw him at the shakedown in Malaysia in the pre-season,” he recalls. “The way he shifts the weights of the bike, the way he brakes, those are things you can’t learn.”
“Pedro has a riding method that cannot be copied. I agree with Jack: no matter how much he, Brad (Binder) or other factory riders try to copy Acosta, they won’t succeed, it’s impossible. Pedro has a unique way of riding and steering the bike with his body.”
From Espargaro’s point of view, Acosta’s qualities are all the more appreciated when you consider how high the power density is in MotoGP today. “I saw Marc Marquez on his debut, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo. But back then, there wasn’t the level that there is now,” emphasizes the Spaniard.
“Back then, there were four bikes that could fight for the title, and now all bikes are capable of winning. That’s why you have to rate what Pedro is doing very highly. Also because the KTM is not yet at the level of Ducati, although I hope it will get there soon.”
Apart from that, Espargaro also emphasizes Acosta’s personality, which reminds quite a few people of the young Valentino Rossi – self-confident and with his heart on his sleeve.
“There are sincere people, and that’s one thing I really appreciate about him,” says Espargaro. “No matter how hard you try to be like him, you can’t. He’s a natural, likeable guy. If he continues to improve and rides wheel-to-wheel with Marquez, the first critics will surely come. “