The newest MotoGP rookie, Pedro Acosta, expressed his satisfaction with the limited number of mistakes he made during his debut weekend in Qatar. Acosta achieved an impressive eighth place in qualifying and maintained that position in the Sprint race, finishing one place lower in the main grand prix. Throughout the race, Acosta showcased his skills by making a notable overtake on MotoGP legend Marc Marquez. However, as the race progressed, Acosta’s pace slowed down due to tire wear. Recognizing this, the Spaniard is aware of the areas in which he needs to improve in the upcoming races.
Acosta admitted that his tire management was not ideal, evidenced by excessive smoke from his rear tire at Turn 10. Despite this, Acosta maintained a positive outlook, stating that these mistakes provide valuable information for future races, especially in Portimão. He emphasized that throughout the 22-lap race, he only made one or two mistakes, which he considers a relatively small number. In comparison, in the sprint race the day before, he made more mistakes in just 11 laps. Acosta remains optimistic and believes that these experiences contribute to his growth as a rider.
Reflecting on his debut race, the 19-year-old shared his thoughts on his performance and the sensations he experienced while riding the Tech3 GasGas KTM. Acosta admitted that the start of the race was not ideal, but expressed his satisfaction with the overall experience. He especially highlighted the excellent feeling he had with the front of the bike, allowing him to attack and maintain an impressive speed. Acosta emphasized that he had never been able to ride in this way during his season in Moto3. He also acknowledged the lessons he learned by observing the mindset of other riders who were smooth and avoided unnecessary risks. Acosta aims to improve his starts and maintain a more relaxed approach throughout the race.
In conclusion, Acosta’s debut weekend in MotoGP left him satisfied with his performance, despite some mistakes. He recognizes the areas in which he needs to improve, especially in tire management and starts. Acosta remains optimistic and believes that these experiences will contribute to his development as a rider.