Pedro Acosta Sánchez, in his sophomore season on the world stage, claimed the Moto2 title in 2023 and is poised to step up to MotoGP. Despite talk of nepotism, he asserts the move is about competing at the highest level, not about making friends.
The rider from Mazarrón has a resume that already includes the 2020 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the 2021 Moto3 championship. Those accomplishments invite comparisons with six-time MotoGP champion Marc Márquez.
He reflected that the Moto2 load would be heavy in the first year and, in an interview, he emphasized a measured approach to the transition, focusing on steady progress rather than shortcuts.
The Murcian racer recently underwent femur surgery in Barcelona to remove a nail and is currently in recovery. After a brief layoff, training has resumed, with preparations underway for upcoming tests and winter work in preparation for the next season.
This is the second world title in three years for Acosta, and it has sparked questions about the weight of expectations. He noted that both media and fans have high hopes, but he intends to stay grounded and avoid unnecessary pressure. He aims to unpack responsibilities gradually and focus on gradual improvement rather than rushing to results.
As he transitions to MotoGP, he described his expectations for the first season after the initial Valencia test. He declined to predict outcomes, saying the team is in an optimal moment and environment to compete over a long run. With evolving motorcycles and advanced electronics, he will learn quickly, aided by experienced testers from the factory, which should accelerate his adaptation.
Regarding Valencia’s performance during the test, he indicated that he did not want to build expectations too soon. He found the electronics and button management crucial for handling the more demanding MotoGP bike and acknowledged that riding in Moto2 is a different rhythm from MotoGP. The first day gave a clear sense of winter goals and a sense of KTM’s potential in the project.
On whether the title in Moto2 ever felt in danger, Acosta admitted mistakes at pivotal moments, including a crash at Le Mans and an intervening break that pushed the team to rethink and regroup. He credited the team with belief that helped push toward the championship, reinforcing the idea that success is a team effort.
Looking ahead to the next season, he described KTM’s program as broad, extending beyond racing to development across multiple models. Training has resumed after a short break, with plans to train in Austria ahead of tests in Malaysia, and a longer stay to fine-tune preparations. He highlighted KTM’s commitment to a variety of motorcycles and to nurturing MotoGP riders specifically.
When asked about competing with peers like Pecco Bagnaia or Marc Márquez, Acosta reiterated that his stance remains clear: he is not in the sport to cultivate friendships and believes nepotism persists in MotoGP. He emphasized staying calm, respecting seasoned professionals, and keeping a level head while pursuing progress.
Asked what a strong result would look like at the end of 2024, Acosta said he would take it day by day. He aimed to refine fundamentals, avoid unnecessary risks, and allow time for the learning curve to translate into competitive performances. He stressed that consistent, patient work would be the key to improved results as he grows into MotoGP.