A changing of the guard in MotoGP? Marc Marquez sees Pedro Acosta as a champion of the future – will the rookie wrestle his 2013 win record from him?
Pedro Acosta made history with his first podium finish in the MotoGP at the Portuguese Grand Prix. He is the third youngest rider (19 years and 304 days) to finish on the podium in the premier class. If you only consider the modern MotoGP era from 2002 onwards, he leads the rankings
An impressive debut that the MotoGP rookie could top if he breaks another record, namely that of the youngest winner in the category.
Since the 2013 Grand Prix of the Americas, this title has been held by none other than Marc Marquez, who won his first race in the premier class at the age of 20 years and 63 days. In purely mathematical terms, Acosta has the entire first half of the 2024 season to overtake Marquez in this regard.
The MotoGP rookie will turn 20 on May 25, and the last Grand Prix before he passes the 63-day mark on Marquez’s age record is this year’s German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring from July 5 to 7.
The two Spaniards have already fought a direct duel on the track several times this season, most recently in Portugal, where Acosta was able to get the better of Marquez. Marquez explained: “It’s nice to follow him because he’s a rookie. He rides light-heartedly, makes great use of the kerbs and tires.”
“He rode an amazing race, he was super fast. I said before the race in Qatar that he would achieve podiums and victories this year. Let’s see if he can fight for the championship straight away.”
When asked if Acosta reminded him a bit of himself, the eight-time world champion said: “Yes. He is one of the big names in the championship in the small categories and he will be one of the big names in the future and present. “
And Jorge Martin, who won the race in Portugal ahead of Enea Bastianini and Acosta, also said that the rookie reminded him “a bit of myself”.
“I was also third in my second race. He will certainly be one of the toughest opponents in the future. But that’s no surprise. We all know what a talent he is. That’s why he’s sitting here with us today,” said Martin.
