Pedro Acosta, the Moto3 prodigy making his debut season in MotoGP, is facing the harsh reality of the premier class. While the 20-year-old's talent is undeniable, his frustration is growing with the lack of competitiveness of his KTM RC16 compared to the dominant Ducati GP24s.
A string of disappointing results, culminating in a demoralizing 13th place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix, has pushed Acosta to express his discontent. He spoke of "enthusiasm" turning into "pain in my chest" after the Spielberg race.
However, KTM veteran and test rider Pol Espargaro advises patience. The 33-year-old believes 2025 is a more realistic target for KTM to bridge the gap to Ducati and allow Acosta to fight for victories.
"Acosta has to understand that MotoGP is not like other sports," Espargaro explains. "Here, talent alone isn't enough. You need a competitive bike to win. Unfortunately, that's not the case for him right now. But he must be patient. I know that's difficult at his age with his talent and hunger."
Espargaro, who finished two places ahead of Acosta in 11th on a test version of the RC16 at the Red Bull Ring, is confident in KTM's development. "We are working hard to catch Ducati," he says. "Next year might be the beginning of the end of their dominance. However, Pedro needs to keep believing in the project and the progress we're making."
Interestingly, Acosta wasn't allowed to test the latest iteration of the RC16 due to MotoGP regulations. He did, however, travel to Misano to observe the two-day private test conducted by fellow KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa. This dedication highlights Acosta's commitment to KTM and his eagerness to see the bike improve.
While the immediate future might be frustrating for the young Spaniard, Espargaro's words offer a clear message: patience and hard work are key. The 2025 season could be a turning point for KTM, allowing Acosta's talent to truly shine on a competitive machine.
