MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Pedro Acosta believes the 2026 RC16 from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is showing no “strange things” and represents a clear step forward, although he admits Aprilia and Ducati currently have “scary” pace heading into MotoGP 2026.
KTM have not secured a grand prix victory since 2022, and last season proved inconsistent despite flashes of competitiveness. A stronger winter development push introduced new components to the RC16, leading to a more positive outlook during pre-season testing. Acosta finished sixth overall at the Buriram test as the leading KTM rider, with data suggesting improved tyre preservation compared to 2025.
“Quite happy with the time attacks that I made this morning, quite happy with the position; we were inside the top five, and normally that’s our target.”
“And I’m not far from first.”
During his afternoon race simulation, Acosta reported competitive rhythm but acknowledged the benchmark set by Aprilia and Ducati.
“In the afternoon, I was working on my race simulation. It was quite ok, but it’s true that Aprilia’s and Ducati’s ones looked quite scary.”
“But I was happy, to be honest. We arrived at lap 24, 25 alive with the tyre, which is much different to last year.”
Acosta completed the entire pre-season without a crash, underlining the improved stability and predictability of the 2026 package. He admitted he avoided pushing beyond the limit in his final time attack to protect his race simulation programme.
“I’m quite happy with all the support the brand is giving to me. We are working quite fast and we have made a step compared to last year. This is important.”
“The bike is better than last year. It looks easier, everything is coming easier. The bike feels more natural, no moments, no strange things.”
While encouraged by KTM’s internal progress, Acosta stressed that improvements alone are not sufficient if rivals continue to advance at a faster rate. With KTM appearing to sit behind Aprilia and Ducati in long-run averages, the Thailand MotoGP 2026 opener will provide the first competitive validation of the RC16’s development trajectory.
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