MotoGP rookie Pedro Acosta feels prepared for the first race – He is happy with his race pace, but still needs to work on qualifying
As the only rookie in the MotoGP field, Pedro Acosta (Tech3-GasGas) primarily has to gain experience. Apart from the test day in Valencia at the end of November, he had six days in Sepang and two in Lusail to prepare. The Spaniard sees himself on course, but sets expectations realistically
“The question mark before this test,” says Acosta about the Qatar test, “was how quickly I could adapt to this new track. It was quite good. After six days in Malaysia I was 0.6 seconds behind and in Qatar on the first day I was 0.8. That’s not that much.”
“On the one hand, it’s difficult because I need more time than the other riders to understand the lines and how I have to ride. On the other hand, I have more experience than in Sepang. When I come into the pits, I know what needs to be changed.”
Acosta also completed a comprehensive workload in Qatar. 73 laps on the first day and 72 on the second. The focus on the second day was also on a complete race simulation over 22 laps. This was important in order to understand tire management and engine mapping.
“I worked with the fuel mappings to understand these things,” says the Moto2 World Champion, as these aspects differ significantly from the smaller classes. “My pace was also great in those 22 laps.”
Acosta’s average time was around three to four tenths of a second slower than Fabio Di Giannantonio’s last year, when he rode to victory. Acosta also made two qualifying attempts on Tuesday evening. There is still some time missing in this respect.
“I rode the time attack a little too late, but I still improved by half a second.” With a time of 1:52.046 minutes, Acosta was 1.1 seconds off the lead and finished in 15th place
“I was fifth around midday, but then everyone turned up the heat. They know what they have to do. I can be on the pace, but if they fit a new tire, they can be half a second faster.”
“We know that, we have to accept it and we have to improve.” Qualifying is therefore still an area that Acosta needs to work on. Overall, he is satisfied with his preparation for the season. He feels that he has arrived at a good starting point.
“Of course I would like to be further up front, but you can’t choose that. I am satisfied because we have improved the pace. It could be better or worse. Eight days of testing is not enough when you think about the experience of the other riders.”
“I think we have to be satisfied. I have learned a lot, but there is still a long way to go.” And what would be a realistic goal for the first Grand Prix? “I don’t know. It all depends on Friday afternoon and qualifying. “
