Acosta Reveals 'Uncomfortable Questions' to KTM Before British MotoGP

Pedro Acosta has revealed that his top-five finish at the British MotoGP came after he asked KTM “some uncomfortable questions” during the summer break. The 22-year-old has endured a frustrating season on the factory KTM, with his wait for a win continuing and only three podiums in 12 rounds.

KTM has also been plagued by a lack of form relative to Ducati and Aprilia, as well as a myriad of technical issues since the Catalan Grand Prix. But at Silverstone on Sunday, Acosta finished fifth—a result he admits even he didn't expect.

“Surprised, to be honest,” he told media, including Crash. “I don't think anyone was expecting a KTM around. For this, quite happy to make the step during the weekend.”

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Acosta explained that he chose to be frank with his team during the break. “I was quite honest with the team during the summer break, putting some uncomfortable questions on the table. And, honestly, we are not that far from the top three in the championship. For that, I said, 'Boys, if we just try to go there',” he said.

He stressed two things KTM needs: improvement during race weekends—since they are usually stable without much progression—and avoiding mechanical failures. “I'm happy that they accepted it and took it in the best way, not like a criticism, more like a way to start the second half of the season,” he added.

On a track where he struggled last year, Acosta admitted using a different strategy from Fabio Di Giannantonio. “I burned the tyre a bit at the beginning to survive at the end. It worked,” he said. He also confirmed his physical condition post-carpal tunnel surgery, noting some pain but his fingers are completely fine.