Pedro Acosta Impresses in MotoGP Debut at Sepang
The 2024 MotoGP season kicked off with the three-day Sepang shakedown, providing an early opportunity for struggling manufacturers Honda and Yamaha to showcase their race teams. While the event was closed off to the media, there were still noteworthy moments on and off the track.
Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta, known for his rapid progression through the ranks of Moto2 and Moto3, showed great promise in his MotoGP-spec debut. Despite only having his second test on the bike, Acosta displayed remarkable skill and finished the final day of the test as the fastest rider. He came within a tenth of a second of the qualifying time set by top KTM racer Brad Binder. Acosta’s strong performance bodes well for his future in the premier-class.
KTM’s aero push was also a standout feature at the shakedown. Partnering with Red Bull’s F1 aero team, KTM showcased intricate designs, particularly with their rear wing. The unique ‘box’ approach of the wing has caught the attention of rivals, with Honda and Yamaha experimenting with simpler versions. Additionally, KTM’s front fender wing, reminiscent of Ducati and Aprilia’s fork developments, was an eye-catching development.
Honda riders, including Joan Mir, Luca Marini, and Johann Zarco, impressed with their lap times. Mir emphasized that Honda has shifted its development direction, resulting in more fruitful progress. While there is still room for improvement, particularly in terms of aero and engine specs, the change is significant compared to last year.
Aprilia stood out with their new rear seat unit, incorporating similar effects to rear wings. The departure from traditional designs, combined with a new rear wheel cover tested by Lorenzo Savadori, made for a visually distinct change. Ducati’s new fairing, however, appeared relatively normal, contrary to the teasers during their launch. The performance of the Desmosedici with riders Pecco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini remains to be seen.
Yamaha maintained their usual low-profile approach at the shakedown. The 2024 bike used by Fabio Quartararo, Cal Crutchlow, and Alex Rins resembled the previous year’s model. Despite the lack of visual changes, optimism filled the Yamaha garage, possibly due to improvements in the engine, which has undergone significant upgrades since last year’s tests.
Overall, the Sepang shakedown provided a glimpse into the upcoming MotoGP season, with promising performances, intriguing aero developments, and optimistic attitudes from the teams.
MotoGP’s traditional shakedown test has become even more significant than usual in 2024. The Argentine Grand Prix, a regular event on the series calendar, has been officially canceled for this year, although organizers are hopeful for its return in the future.
Franco Morbidelli, the new signing for Pramac Ducati MotoGP, may face challenges in starting the pre-season testing for 2024. He suffered a fall at the Portimao circuit, resulting in hospitalization for observation.
While MotoGP’s focus last weekend was on the unveiling of Trackhouse’s stars-and-stripes-themed Aprilia bikes, another two-wheeled event took place in Los Angeles. This event provides valuable lessons for MotoGP to learn from.
The rider market in MotoGP is expected to explode in 2025, presenting a great opportunity for KTM and/or sister brand Gas Gas to make a significant move. However, the wider group is currently distancing itself from such a decision, leaving room for speculation.
Trackhouse Racing, after making waves in NASCAR, enters a new world in 2024 as Aprilia’s new satellite team in MotoGP. Can they revive MotoGP’s relevance in the USA?
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