The pilot from Puerto de Mazarrón (Murcia) starred in an incredible debut in the World Championship when he was still 16 years old. Acosta led the first practice session of the Qatar Grand Prix that opened the championship, finished second in the race, and won the next three.
His emergence led KTM to tie him up in the summer, signing him until 2024 with a roadmap that should take him to MotoGP that year. The Murcian will make the leap to Moto2 next season with the Ajo team after a single campaign in the smallest category.
However, Acosta was able to jump straight into MotoGP – as Darryn Binder will do with the WithU RNF Yamaha. The problem was that the world champion would not turn 18 until May 25, so he would miss the first seven grand prizes as he was not of the minimum age to participate.
“ Yes, there was that option. Speaking clearly, I would turn 18 in the middle of next season if I went up to MotoGP. What need was there to skip stages, to burn them, to go to MotoGP. It was worth a lot to jump to Moto2, gain experience , which is what will make me arrive prepared when I get to MotoGP. The important thing is not to win at the bottom, it’s to come up prepared and do it well. I don’t think we should skip stages. My grandfather is already thinking about MotoGP, but my goal is now it’s Moto2,” Acosta said in an interview with DAZN .
The Mazarrón shark sees its long-term future tied to KTM .
“KTM trusted me, Red Bull gave everything for me. And this is the best way to reward them. I hope to be here for a long time,” he said.
Acosta was one day away from becoming the youngest world champion in history and, although he has recognized that he looks at the driving of other pilots such as Marc Márquez, he does not compare himself to anyone.
“I prefer to compare myself with myself, that way I will always know if I have improved certain parts or made them worse,” he settled.
( Click on the link or on the image to see the photos of the 2021 season of Pedro Acosta in Moto3)
