Pedro Acosta shows not only speed but also new maturity in 2026 – Pol Espargaro explains why the KTM youngster is now more dangerous than ever before
In the 2026 MotoGP season, Pedro Acosta is once again proving his class with his results so far: currently third in the World Championship, the Spaniard is far ahead of his KTM brand colleagues. In his second year as a factory rider, he has taken the next step and is receiving prominent praise for it.
Pol Espargaro, test rider at KTM and expert for DAZN, now sees Acosta as a much more mature rider with title potential. He paints the picture of a rider who already had enormous speed last year, but who was still missing a decisive factor.
Acosta had “the same speed or very similar”, explains Espargaro, “but he lacked the maturity he has this season”. It is precisely this development that is now clearly visible: “Pedro has reached a point this season where he is at his full potential,” he analyzes.
The veteran particularly highlights the young Spaniard’s racing intelligence. Acosta has learned to approach races more strategically: “He knows how to control the pace: when, how and in which part of the track he has to push.”
Just as important is the ability to be self-disciplined. Espargaro emphasizes that Acosta can now also accept results that do not meet his standards.
“He knows how to settle for positions that he may not be happy with, but he understands that more risk would mean a crash – and therefore no points,” says the KTM test rider, naming one difference compared to previous years.
This new serenity complements an already exceptional talent. “He is very capable, has an inhuman, incredible talent,” says Espargaro. It was precisely this talent that caused him problems in the past because he pushed the limits too often. Now, however, Acosta understands the bike “much better”.
Parallel to this, Espargaro also sees progress on the technical side. KTM has improved compared to the previous season: “We are slightly better than last year, we have more speed and are constantly fighting ahead of the Ducatis.” A look at the current manufacturers’ standings partially underlines this assessment.
After the first races, KTM is in third place with 65 points, just a few points behind Ducati. However, according to Espargaro, Aprilia has established itself as the new benchmark.
“Unfortunately, Aprilia has made a big step and pulled away a little,” he admits. Nevertheless, he sees progress: At the most recent race in Austin, Acosta finished third, 4.4 seconds behind winner Marco Bezzecchi, on a track that had previously caused KTM significantly more problems.
The team’s overall performance also gives cause for cautious optimism. Despite the absence of Maverick Vinales due to injury, Enea Bastianini put in a strong performance with sixth place. For Espargaro, this is a clear signal: the bike is back at a competitive level.
With a view to the upcoming European phase, starting with the Grand Prix in Jerez, the Spaniard therefore formulates a clear objective. The aim is to maintain or even improve the current level of performance “to get closer to Aprilia and fight on an equal footing with them”, Espargaro states.
