To summarize the different facets of Peter Acosta following previous tests MotoGP pre-season that took place, we could state the qualifiers “fast, calm, diligent, hardworking, attentive, analytical, uninhibited, ambitious, funny, mature”, and oddly enough for a rookie, “relaxed”.
This paints an immediately endearing portrait, and the GASGAS Racing Tech3 driver presented himself to journalists in the same tone on the eve of the last two days of pre-season testing on the Losail/Lusail circuit in Qatar.
As usual, we report his words here without the slightest formatting.
What are your expectations on this circuit?
“No waiting. Happy, happy to be honest, to change track, because after six days of training in Malaysia it was quite boring. I remember the last night we spent there, before the last day, where I said, “F***, I want to go home now” (laughs). But anyway, I'm happy to be back, happy to have lots of things to try before the first race of the season. We will see. Let's try to be calm, and as you say, it's a new lead, with only two days left. These will be the first tests we will have to do to see how quickly we can handle ourselves and adapt to a new track, and try to manage the bike. But I think it's going to be good. »
Is it a good thing to have two days before the first race? Does that make things a little easier for a rookie?
“It’ll be easier in the end. Having two days plus the three days of the GP is going to be good enough to be competitive. But for me, like I said, the important thing for this test is to see how quickly we can adapt to a new situation, because like I said, OK, days 2 and 3 of the shakedown we were already fast, but now there are only two days, like a real simulation of a GP, let's say. For that, I'll be happy to check it out. »
What's the plan here? Do you just have to ride the bike or is there a lot to do?
“In the end, make a solid foundation. We have things to try. I don't know what to be honest, but there are things. We're also going to do a race simulation, a full race simulation, on the second day. It's gonna be fun. »
Have you ever done a long run simulation?
“The full 20 laps, no. No full race yet. »
How are you approaching this last test on this very special circuit?
“We will see what happens with the sand, the sun that we have now on the track, the wind which is quite strong at the moment, but which was quite good in Malaysia. Here we have to start from scratch. You shouldn't have expectations. Malaysia was completely unreal, you know. Because of this, let's say we can continue with this dream. »
