Saturday in Indonesia turned into a nightmare for KTM, and Pedro Acosta is no exception. While no Austrian bike scored a single point in the Mandalika sprint, the Mattighofen official delivered a relentless assessment: KTM is "on the same level as Honda," as if to say, an affront.
While he occupied a promising position on the starting grid, Peter Acosta saw his hopes disappear in the first corner of the 5th lap. But contrary to usual, the young Spaniard does not blame himself: " we know the limits of our motorcycle. We know that we can have surprises even without changing anything.. » A rare admission that directly points the finger at the technical shortcomings of the RC16.
Asked about the true level of KTM, the Spanish prodigy does not mince his words after an eloquent silence: " I think we are third. Currently, we are at the same level as Honda.. » And we will remember that Honda is going through its worst season in recent history.
The Austrian debacle is collective. The figures are damning for KTM: Brad Binder 11th and best of the RC16, Enea Bastianini, fall, Maverick Vinales, abandonment, no points scored in sprint race.
💥 @37_pedroacosta's podium and even victory hopes ended up in the gravel as he crashed out when he was in P2! ❌#IndonesianGP ️ pic.twitter.com/ATVWtQ8qiS
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) October 4, 2025
Pedro Acosta: “ It's KTM that's in trouble here, not Ducati »
Acosta observes with lucidity the difficulties of Ducati, but refuses to associate himself with it: " Aldeguer was in front, Alex Marquez was fourth, and Marc made a great comeback. It's KTM who are in trouble here, not them.. » Proof that even on a difficult day, the Ducati remain competitive.
Acosta still has hope for the main race: " The front end is sensitive with the soft tires. With the hard tires, it will be better tomorrow.. » A technical analysis that shows its maturity, but which is not enough to mask the extent of the problems.
While Ducati can count on its satellites to bring back results (Aldeguer 2nd, Alex Marquez 4th), KTM sees all its machines, factories and satellites sink simultaneously. Proof that the problem is structural, and not linked to a particular pilot.
The finding ofAcosta should have the effect of an electroshock in Mattighofen. If the greatest talent of his generation believes that KTM is no better than Honda, is that the situation is critical. While the 850cc engine for 2027 is announced, the technical team must find urgent solutions to save what remains of the 2025 season.
Sunday's race promises to be a litmus test: either KTM proves thatAcosta is wrong, or she will have to accept her downgrade to the rank of simple extra on the panel MotoGP.
