'Betting Debts are debts of honour' - Pedro Acosta To Test 2022 KTM RC16 in jerez
For years, KTM has been the provider of many promising talents – now, 2021 Moto3 World Champion Pedro Acosta is set to get his first glimpse at the manufacturer’s MotoGP bike.
At Red Bull KTM it is good manners that talented Moto2 aces are allowed to try out the MotoGP bike at an early stage.
Jack Miller tries his new bike in Valencia – Image provided by Motorsport Images
In 2019, Moto2 rider Brad Binder was already able to familiarise himself with the Austrian company’s MotoGP rocket before moving up to the premier class in 2020 as Moto2 runner-up.
In preparation for the 2022 season, MotoGP rookies Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez were also able to get to grips with their future premier class bike at Misano.
Pedro Acosta is now scheduled for a test in Jerez, where the 18-year-old Spaniard will get a first feel for his potential future bike. The story behind how the opportunity came about is particularly interesting.
As Pit Beirer told Speedweek.com, Acosta had asked in the run-up to the Valencia Grand Prix “if he could wish for a few laps on the MotoGP KTM if he won the [season] finale.”
Pedro Acosta after his win in Valencia – Image provided by Motorsport Images
The KTM Motorsport Director agreed. When Acosta actually took the Moto2 victory for the Austrian manufacturer in Valencia, betting debts became debts of honour.
Fortunately, Acosta is not affected by the MotoGP regulars’ test ban. Only Race Director Mike Webb has to give his okay for the 18-year-old to test.