MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Pedro Acosta of KTM has downplayed his position at the top of the MotoGP 2026 standings, stating that he does not believe he should be leading the championship at this stage of the season.
The young Spaniard delivered a highly competitive performance in Thailand, collecting 32 out of a possible 37 points. His results included a maiden Sprint victory—following a late penalty for Marc Marquez—and a second-place finish in the Grand Prix behind Marco Bezzecchi. That consistency allowed him to retain the championship lead, marking a notable milestone for KTM.
Despite this strong start, Acosta has maintained a measured approach heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix, reiterating that his primary objective remains consistent top-five finishes rather than defending the championship lead.
“Normally we are quite fast at new tracks, but you never know. We need to see where we are in FP1 and then set a clear target,” Acosta said.
“We know that we should not be leading the championship. For that reason, we have to stick to our goal of always being in the top five and avoid the mistakes I was making in the early part of last season.”
He further emphasised that he arrives in Brazil with minimal expectations, reflecting a strategic mindset focused on long-term consistency rather than short-term results.
“Let’s see what happens in Brazil. At the moment, I have zero expectations,” he added.
While remaining cautious, Acosta admitted that leading the standings is still a rewarding experience, particularly at this early stage of his premier class career.
“It’s very nice to see yourself at the top of the MotoGP standings, but as I said, it’s not our target right now,” he explained.
From a performance perspective, Acosta identified improved consistency and reduced error rates as key differences compared to his previous season. He acknowledged that emotional management played a role in his earlier struggles.
“Last year, in the first part of the season, I was quite emotional and negative. Now I’m trying to stay more calm and focused,” he said.
Technically, he highlighted tyre management as the most significant area of improvement, enabling stronger race pace over longer stints—an essential factor in MotoGP competitiveness.
“It’s clear that we are now able to manage the tyres much better during a race. That is the first step to being competitive,” Acosta noted.
“After that, the bike has become easier to ride, the team is working faster, and from Mattighofen they pushed very hard over the winter. It’s a combination of many things.”
Meanwhile, teammate Brad Binder currently stands as the next-best KTM rider in the championship, positioned sixth, indicating a broader improvement in the manufacturer’s performance.
The Brazilian Grand Prix will provide the next benchmark for Acosta’s early-season form. With a controlled approach and emphasis on consistency, his performance in Brazil is expected to play a key role in shaping the early dynamics of the 2026 MotoGP title fight.
Baca Juga
Pedro Acosta hadapi tantangan cuaca ekstrem di MotoGP Brasil 2026 usai banjir Goiania, mempengaruhi strategi tim dan persaingan awal musim.
Diogo Moreira tampil dengan helm tribute Ayrton Senna di MotoGP Brasil 2026, menandai debut kandang bersejarah bersama LCR Honda.
Pedro Acosta menilai dirinya belum layak pimpin klasemen MotoGP 2026 meski tampil kuat di Thailand, jelang seri Brasil.
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