Pedro Acosta is no longer just the "phenomenon" he was once touted to be. The 21-year-old Spaniard is turning his potential into tangible results, and his rise to prominence is starting to seriously worry his rivals. With two podium finishes in the last three races—including a display of composure and maturity as he followed Marc Marquez to the checkered flag at the Hungarian Grand Prix—Acosta has reached a new level. How did he brush aside his palpable frustration at the start of the season? Sylvain Guintoli explains...
Long criticized for his aggressiveness and impatience, Acosta surprised even Pol Espargaró: “ I am very happy because he is a young driver who makes mistakes, like all of us. But he has a supernatural talent. (…) He still doesn't shine as much as we would like, and this leads to moments of frustration. Often, the public blames him for his mistakes, but he only has 21 years old, and he handles it all in a way that surprises me »
Acosta has learned to channel his energy. Rather than causing unnecessary falls, he chooses his moments, which allows him to stay in the fight for the podium at the championnatCurrently fifth overall, he is already aiming for a place in the top 3 by the end of the season.
Despite his progress, the relationship with KTM has not always been easy. According to Sylvain Guintoli, Acosta "definitely" clashed with his team, to the point of regretting it. His manager, Albert Valera, even gave him a telling-off to get him to concentrate again. Result: Acosta became another pilot, more lucid, more efficient, admitting: " We had a slightly more difficult discussion in the pits; we have to control our emotions. But maybe it helped everyone a little. ".
Pedro Acosta must post a CV. without unforgivable fault »
He has left 18 months of contract before being freeKTM has finally made progress with the RC16, but the shadow of the departure of Red Bull, a long-standing partner, could upset the balance in the medium term.
Earlier in the season, the name ofAcosta had circulated at Honda, before the Japanese brand bets on Luca mariniThe reason? Its regularity. Marini is the only driver on the grid not to have crashed the RC213V this season, proof of an instinct " without unforgivable fault ", there where Acosta remained subject to some errors.
But the wind is changing. Honda, in full reconstruction and already making progress with the RC213V, is preparing for 2027, the year of the new regulations. The arrival of a young superstar like Acosta would give them an invaluable boost.
Acosta There's no reason to rush his choice. The doors will open on their own: Ducati, Honda, Aprilia... everyone will want to land the man who embodies the future of MotoGP. The key for him will be to choose the project where his talent can truly shine.
Today it shines KTMTomorrow, he could become the pillar of a manufacturer. MotoGP in search of rebirth, and Honda already seems to be positioning itself.
