Pedro Acosta Takes First MotoGP Pole in Japanese GP Qualifying
Pedro Acosta claims his first MotoGP pole at the Japanese GP after Marc Marquez's lap is disqualified. Bagnaia starts second,…
KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa has shed light on the “radical changes” made to the RC16 midway through the 2024 season that have helped both the bike and rookie sensation Pedro Acosta return to podium contention in MotoGP.
KTM began the year with strong performances, including Brad Binder’s second-place finish in the season opener at Qatar and Tech3’s Pedro Acosta securing back-to-back grand prix podiums in Portugal and America.
However, as the season progressed, KTM’s podiums began to dry up, with Acosta’s third-place finish at Aragon marking the first GP podium for the Austrian manufacturer in months.
Speaking on the Duralavita podcast with former MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, Pedrosa emphasized the need for significant changes to regain competitiveness as the season unfolded.
“In light of the evolution of the others, from mid-championship we had to intervene with radical changes to ensure that the results returned,” said Pedrosa. “We selected the parts that could be better, and Acosta himself, with his way of riding, was able to take advantage of it.”
Acosta, who impressed with a pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix and has displayed raw speed despite recent crashes, has been key in capitalizing on the improvements KTM made. Pedrosa acknowledged the progress but pointed out that further development is necessary to support Acosta’s push for more consistent top results.
“What is he missing? We need to help him a bit with the bike, that’s clear. But the changes made in the summer are helping him, and he’s shown it in the last races,” Pedrosa noted. “It must be said that the level of the Ducati riders is very high, so he just needs to gain a bit of experience.”
Despite Acosta’s rookie status, Pedrosa has been impressed by his growing leadership role within the team. “He surprised me in a positive way. I didn’t know him very well, but I really like how he is becoming more and more a leader within the team,” Pedrosa added.
With Acosta set to join KTM’s factory team in 2025, Pedrosa believes the young rider’s future is bright. “Next year he will be in the official team, and this will help him take a step forward,” Pedrosa concluded.
