Pedro Acosta hit the track with the factory KTM MotoGP team for the first time during the post-season test in Barcelona. Acosta, who has ridden factory KTM machinery for much throughout his career, described the day as a welcome reunion with familiar colors.
“Super nice, it was like being back home,” Acosta said after his factory debut in MotoGP. “After a tough year in the Championship, it was like a breath of fresh air. I am super happy.”
“It was a long day of trying many things and aerodynamics. Normally, this is not so easy, but I am quite happy. It was super nice to see my number back on the bike and on the tower. It was an unreal day.”
The Spaniard’s test program involved a mix of aero and electronics testing, alongside a focus on improving the bike’s handling especially on the front.
While his new teammate Brad Binder concentrated on electronics, Acosta spent much of the day evaluating a whole range of new front fairings.
“I tried like four or five different fairings,” Acosta explained. “I’m happy because we arrived at some conclusions, and that is not always easy with the aero side. We tried many things, and then when I made the back checked them with my [standard] fairings, it was positive. The bike is a little bit more calm, which is important.”
However, jumping on the factory bike for the first time, last year’s 5th in the standings also got his first taste of the KTM’s trademark issue from last season. “The rear of our bike is shaking a lot, as you see on TV.”
Some severe rear chattering for @jackmilleraus 😮#JapaneseGP 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/D8riLwJhz4
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 5, 2024
“This is not easy for traction or for anything. We were not trying anything about rear grip. It was more the front, because we are wheelying a lot and the bike is shaking a lot – the handlebars, everything. Sometimes the bike becomes a little bit crazy. Also about the electronic side. We were more focused on that.”
With his debut test complete, Acosta is already setting his sights on KTM’s next outing at the pre-season test in Sepang. His wishlist for improvements covers all key areas of the RC-16.
“More power, more turning. I want a bike more calm, I want more grip, I want everything maybe!” Acosta joked, before narrowing his focus. “If we improve traction at the rear and make it a little bit more calm, I will be happy.”
