The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix will be remembered for a spectacular image: Pedro Acosta's KTM went airborne after a heavy crash in qualifying, narrowly grazing a cameraman stationed on the outside of Turn 8 at Balaton Park. The bike hit a camera after flying off the safety fence, missing the operator on a perch by just inches.
The man in question, a cameraman named Joao, escaped unharmed, giving a thumbs-up in reassurance immediately after the collision. A few hours later, he was back Acosta to discuss what could have been a tragedy.
The dialogue between the two men speaks volumes about the intensity of the fear. When the pilot asks about the cameraman's condition, the latter replies:
Joao: " All right »
Acosta: " Really ? »
Joao: " It was scary ! »
Acosta: " I'm more reassured now than when it happened, to be honest. »
Joao: " Yes. I saw you looking up there. »
Acosta: " The bike is mounted quite high »
Joao: " Three meters »
Acosta: " So, how are you? »
Joao: " Yes. The motorcycle didn't hit me. It hit the camera. »
Acosta: " Fortunately »
Joao: " The camera can be repaired. »
Acosta: " Nice to meet you, I'm glad you're okay. Want to see the box? »
Our cameraman, Joao, avoiding @37_pedroacosta's bike impact is probably the most shocking video you'll see today! 😮
We're so glad to see he's ok! 🙏#HungarianGP (I.e. pic.twitter.com/o9SslLPDhT
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 23, 2025
Pedro Acosta: « This is for you, sorry for the scare. Just knowing you're okay is more than enough. »
Joao's eventful day ended with a private tour of the box KTM, guided by Acosta himself. The Spanish prodigy gave him signed merchandise with simple but striking words:
« This is for you, sorry for the scare. Just knowing you're okay is more than enough.. » An attention that transformed a frightening incident into a warm encounter, applauded by the entire paddock.
Although Joao escaped unharmed and the episode ended on a positive note, the accident nevertheless revived concerns about the safety of the Balaton ParkReturning to the MotoGP calendar for the first time since 1992, the circuit had to be extensively modified to meet FIM standards.
Most sections have been slowed down, but the turn 8 remains a fast and tricky area. On Saturday, several drivers fell there, including Acosta, victim of a violent forward movement.
👀 @37_pedroacosta checked in on Joao after the big scare! 🙏#HungarianGP (I.e. pic.twitter.com/sYqL5h9iO1
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 23, 2025
From a sporting point of view, the Hungarian weekend was a battle for the young Spaniard. Sprint, he could do no better than 17th place after being involved in the first corner incident caused by Fabio Quartararo, who hooked Enea Bastianini and caused collective chaos.
Always combative, Acosta did not hide his anger towards the Frenchman, believing that he had seen his race ruined by an avoidable error. But on Sunday, he closed a solid performance with a fine second place behind the untouchable Marc Marquez. Upon arrival, he did not fail to greet his now favorite cameraman...
From fear to emotion, this episode MotoGP will remain as a turning point of the Hungarian Grand Prix : the one where a cameraman and a pilot found themselves face to face, united by the same relief at having avoided the worst.
Pedro & our cameraman Joao, a new bromance is born 🫶#HungarianGP (I.e. pic.twitter.com/QDllYmDnUR
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 24, 2025
