Veteran rider manager Carlo Pernat has stirred the paddock once again with his latest podcast appearance on GPOne’s YouTube channel. Reflecting on the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, Pernat asserted that the 2026 MotoGP world title battle is currently a three-way fight between Marc Marquez, Jorge Martin, and Marco Bezzecchi. He lamented the absence of riders like Ai Ogura and Pedro Acosta from the championship conversation, calling it a loss for the fans.
“Spielberg has always been Ducati territory,” Pernat recalled of the stop-and-go circuit’s history. “Ducati was always there, it seemed impossible to go on a safari in their home. But what was the result? This time Aprilia gave Ducati a good thrashing, right in their own backyard.” Pernat praised Aprilia’s work in winning the Sprint race and putting Jorge Martin back on top of the standings.
However, Pernat didn’t overlook KTM’s milestone moment. Pedro Acosta finally claimed his first Sunday MotoGP victory, and he did it in Austria, KTM’s home race. “It’s a tough time for Ducati, but Pedro Acosta also gave everyone a good thrashing,” Pernat said. “He deserves it all because he’s a phenomenon, as we’ve always said. And to win it in Austria, practically at KTM’s home, you can imagine what it meant.”
Pernat also revealed behind-the-scenes news about KTM. He claimed that Bajaj has decided to invest not only in production but also in the racing department. “I spoke directly with Pit Beirer, who told me he had spent two years with sleepless nights,” Pernat shared. “Now Bajaj has put in the money and they are very happy. It’s a shame they lost Pedro Acosta. But they also need to fix the racing department, finding a true manager. It’s one of the few teams without a well-defined technical reference figure.”
Interestingly, KTM reportedly allowed Acosta to test the 850cc bike in a private session in Austria, despite the Spaniard moving to another team next year. “KTM, to thank Pedro Acosta for what he has done, let him try the 850cc even though he’s leaving next year,” Pernat explained. “This shows how close they were. Pedro practically grew up with KTM, in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, did his whole path with KTM, and that’s why until the end he will give his whole heart for this bike.”
Pernat then compared Acosta’s situation to Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha. “Quartararo got fed up at some point and left, while Pedro stayed there. He decided to change for next year, which in my opinion is the right move,” he added. Pernat’s analysis highlights the psychological dynamics and loyalty of riders in an increasingly pragmatic transfer era.
With these statements, Carlo Pernat has given fans a roadmap: the 2026 title fight is a fierce three-way battle, while the stories behind the scenes—Bajaj’s investment in KTM, the 850cc adaptation, and rider-team relationships—will be decisive factors in the remaining season. Will Marquez, Martin, or Bezzecchi ultimately lift the trophy? Or could Ogura and Acosta surge back? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the paddock will never be short on drama.
Baca Juga
MotoGP resmi mengonfirmasi Valencia sebagai tuan rumah seri penutup musim 2027. Balapan akan digelar 26-28 November, dengan sisa kalender dirilis Jumat ini.
Marc Marquez dapat peringatan dari crew chief KTM, Paul Trevathan, bahwa Pedro Acosta akan jadi monster di MotoGP 2027. Simak analisis lengkapnya.
MotoGP mengonfirmasi Valencia sebagai seri penutup musim 2027 pada 26-28 November, sementara jadwal lengkap musim depan diumumkan 25 September.
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