Pedro Acosta Reflects on MotoGP San Marino 2025 Setback

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Pedro Acosta expressed regret over a chain failure that ended his race at the MotoGP San Marino 2025, yet remained upbeat about his progress with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing during the Misano weekend. The Murcia-born rider shared his frustration but emphasized his competitive pace, looking ahead to the Japanese Grand Prix with renewed focus.

Strong Performance Marred by Mechanical Issue

Acosta started the race with what he described as one of his best-ever launches. “The bike felt amazing. I think it was one of my best starts,” he told Sportrik contributor Manuel Pecino. Early in the race, he overtook Fabio Quartararo and closed in on the front group, including Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, and Alex Marquez. His pace suggested a potential top-four finish or even a podium challenge.

However, a chain failure on lap seven abruptly halted his charge, an issue previously encountered by teammate Brad Binder. “It shouldn’t happen. If a chain hits someone, it’s incredibly painful,” Acosta noted, highlighting the safety risks. The setback was particularly frustrating given his strong position after recovering

from a challenging Friday practice.

Balancing Frustration with Positives

Despite the disappointment, Acosta focused on the positives. He noted that his team was the only KTM outfit to show competitive pace at Misano. “We were far behind on Friday, but we managed to recover and be truly competitive,” he said. The bike’s handling, particularly in braking and cornering, allowed him to challenge top riders, though he faced difficulties against the slower Yamaha bikes on straights.

Acosta stressed the need for improved reliability. “These things need to be fixed on the bike. It’s a mechanical sport, but this shouldn’t happen,” he said, referencing the recurring issue that also affected Binder. His candid remarks underline the importance of technical consistency for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s ambitions.

Eyes on Japan

Looking ahead to Japan, Acosta remains confident. “We’re in a better position than when we arrived in Japan last year,” he stated. His recent consistency in the top five and ability to avoid mistakes fuel his optimism. “We need to forget this and focus on tomorrow,” he added, showing resilience despite the unpredictable weather challenges awaiting in Japan.

Acosta’s early exit at Misano was a bitter pill, especially given his competitive pace and potential for a standout result. Nevertheless, his ability to recover from a tough weekend and challenge the leaders reaffirms his talent as a rising MotoGP star. With a focus on addressing mechanical reliability, Acosta is well-positioned to fight for strong results in Japan and beyond, carrying valuable momentum into the remainder of the 2025 season.