Dani Pedrosa has never made so much noise while speaking so little. A test rider behind the scenes, the technical mastermind of the RC16, he nevertheless became one of the cornerstones of the KTM project in 2025. And Pedro Acosta, the revelation of the season despite a temperamental bike, keeps reminding everyone: without Pedrosa, the Acosta rocket wouldn't have taken off.
In an interview with MotoGP.comThe Spanish legend recounts the behind-the-scenes story of a season as brilliant on a human level as it was frustrating on the field. And he doesn't sugarcoat anything:
« The situation within our team was complicated, and Pedro had high expectations that we couldn't meet. »
After a start to the year where he believed in immediate victory, Acosta had to rebuild his mental strength. Pedrosa He described this turning point as the rookie's toughest battle:
« He had to radically change his mindsetIf you're aiming for podium finishes or wins at the start of the season and it doesn't happen, it's hard to accept. »
But the pilot of 21 years didn't give up. At the end of the season, he proved how strong he is." reports Pedrosa.
Always with his legendary humility, Dani Pedrosa evaluated his work at KTM with Acosta :
« I never interfere too much because it's his career. But if he asks, I'll share my ideas.My advice may or may not work, but it's always worth a try. if he is receptive »
Their guiding principle was summed up in one sentence, a pact: " we decided to do the best we could with what we had, each time »
Even when the dream has evaporated: Sadly, This was not enough to achieve the victory we all wanted. »
Dani Pedrosa: “ If Pedro Acosta wins a race, I'll dye my hair completely orange. »
In the heart of the paddock, a rumor was becoming a myth as...Acosta He was collecting podium finishes: if Pedro won a race… Pedrosa was turning orange…
He confirms with a smile: Yes, that was it: if Pedro wins a race, I'll dye my hair completely orange.. »
We came so close, but each weekend that ended without a victory closed the window a little more.
So, is the bet on again? We'll see how the motorcycle performs. It's a shame it didn't happen. That would have been niceBut we'll find something else for next season. »
Despite zero victories, Acosta crushed the leader status KTM by signing 12 of the brand's 14 podium finishes. Pedrosa explains why its DNA resonates with engineers:
« He pushes the motorcycle to the limit at every meter — when braking, entering a turn, exiting a turn »
What impresses Dani the most? WhatAcosta Done in the very first second of the weekend:
« He arrives in FP1 and immediately seeks to be at the top of the rankingsHe doesn't take the time to ask himself: what are the conditions? How is the motorcycle? No: he wants to be first »
Even in the face of technical pain: even if there are difficulties with the motorcycle, he tries to get the most out of itThat is precisely that makes the difference »
The prodigy showed that he could transform a KTM still immature as a podium machine. The duo Pedrosa-Acosta It already resembles a formidable weapon. Only one thing is missing. A victory. The first. The one that will trigger everything. What if 2026 were the year of orange hair for Dani Pedrosa ?
