Marc Marquez has insisted that Pedro Acosta remains a contender in the 2025 MotoGP title race. The statement came after the KTM rider's impressive performance in Friday practice for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. Marquez, who currently leads the standings with 274 points, acknowledged that Acosta cannot be ignored despite trailing by 65 points with eight races remaining.
“He’s in the championship,” Marquez said. “Eight races to go, he’s 65 behind. I was 100 behind seven races ago. So, he’s in the championship.” Those words serve as a warning to rivals that Acosta's speed could shift the balance. In Friday practice, Acosta was indeed dominant, topping both sessions, while Marquez had to settle for fourth.
Marquez also praised Acosta and KTM. “I expected it because it’s not the first time KTM is very fast here. And Pedro puts that extra in KTM. He was already very fast in the other race tracks, and here at the moment he is the best one,” he said. KTM is known for its strong performance at the Red Bull Ring, and Acosta's presence further strengthens their position.
Nevertheless, Marquez does not feel ready to fight for victory in Austria. “The feeling is that today we worked, we worked hard. But the most important thing is that from the first run to the last run of the day, we improved the feeling, we improved the way to ride the bike. This is something very positive. Let’s see if tomorrow we need to do another step, because at the moment, we are not ready to fight for the victory. But, we are on Friday,” he explained.
A technical factor is a major concern. Michelin has brought the stiffer tyre carcass to the Red Bull Ring, previously used in Thailand and Brazil. This has made life difficult for Ducati, and Marquez must adjust his bike's setup. “Basically, the set-up. The way you ride is you have one riding style. But it’s true that the fact that we changed the rear casing is changing the character of the bike. As we saw in Thailand, we suffered a lot. And today it looks like we suffered a bit more than Misano, but less than Thailand. But the most important thing is that from FP1 to the Practice, we did a step, and we will continue,” he stated.
Marquez added that he feels better on used tyres. “I don’t feel the drop, and this gives me a good feeling. But I need to improve the time attack, because with this casing, I’m always struggling a bit more. I need to improve there, or to understand how to start on the front row. Last year I won with this casing. So, let’s see. I know where I’m losing at the moment compared to last year, and let’s see if tomorrow I can do a step in riding style,” he concluded.
With Acosta's promising performance, the Austrian Grand Prix is expected to be a fierce battle. Marquez remains cautious, and his statement signals that the title is far from decided. MotoGP fans are eagerly anticipating the action between the two riders this weekend.
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