Pedro Acosta is riding a wave of confidence as he heads into the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. Fresh off his first-ever MotoGP victory at the Red Bull Ring two weeks ago, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider says he feels a similar sensation to 2024 at Motegi.
On Friday, Acosta ended the practice sessions second-fastest, and he was quick to praise his team's efforts. “Bike is working quite good, team is working quite good,” said Pedro Acosta. “Quite similar feeling to 2024 and much better than 2025, so happy.”
The Spaniard added that his crew has found a solid baseline for the weekend. “At the end we are making good job. Looks like we find a good base bike for start the weekends and then just make the details for this. Quite happy about how the thing is working,” he explained.
Acosta also pointed to the resurfaced track and the harder-compound Michelin tyres as key differences from last year. “I mean, maybe the biggest difference is that they resurfaced whole track and also the tyres are different,” he said. “But it's true that about tyre management, if you check all the season, we were much better than last one. At the end I was quite competitive last season because I qualified P4, I was second also on Friday, I made a Sprint podium, but then I was trying a lot to survive with the tyres for this. Looks like it's not the same situation [as] last year.”
Last season at Motegi, Acosta crashed out of the lead in both the Sprint and the grand prix. Now, with a win under his belt, he is better prepared to capitalise on his speed. KTM has also shown competitive form, and Acosta is a strong contender for back-to-back victories.
Looking at the championship standings, Acosta is well-positioned to fight at the front. His Austria win proved that the 2026 KTM package can challenge for wins. Motegi's heavy braking zones and acceleration out of corners could suit the RC16 perfectly.
With a feeling reminiscent of 2024 and improved tyre management, Acosta is optimistic about his chances. “I'm quite happy about how the thing is working,” he concluded. If he can maintain this form, another trip to the top step of the podium is certainly within reach.
Baca Juga
Jorge Martin mengaku ritme musim lalu tak berlaku dan harus mulai dari nol di Jumat. Simak analisisnya jelang kualifikasi.
Pedro Acosta mengakhiri Jumat MotoGP Jepang di posisi kedua setelah merasakan performa KTM yang jauh lebih menjanjikan di Motegi dibandingkan musim lalu.
Marc Marquez siap menyerang di MotoGP Jepang setelah Pedro Acosta tampil tercepat hari pertama. Simak strategi dan persaingan ketat di Motegi.
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