Valentino Rossi, one of MotoGP’s most legendary figures, has shared his thoughts on Pedro Acosta’s first season in the premier class of motorcycle racing. Acosta, a highly anticipated rookie, made an impressive entrance into MotoGP, securing two podium finishes in his first three races. His remarkable early performances generated a lot of excitement, but as the season progressed, the young rider faced a series of challenges that tested both his physical and mental resilience.
In the middle of the season, Acosta struggled with frequent crashes, which highlighted the difficulties he was facing with his KTM machine. Rossi noted that the KTM seemed to be underperforming compared to rival teams, particularly Ducati, which has dominated the field. Even experienced riders like Brad Binder were struggling with the KTM, making Acosta’s transition all the more challenging. The performance gap became increasingly apparent, especially after Acosta suffered a shoulder injury from a fall during the sprint race in Australia, forcing him to sit out the Grand Prix.
Rossi’s analysis of Acosta’s rookie year was candid yet supportive. He explained that the physical toll of MotoGP racing is significant, and the crashes have a much harsher impact in the top-tier class than in lower categories. “The blows with the MotoGP are felt more, it’s something else,” Rossi commented, referring to the intense physical strain of the sport. Despite these setbacks, Rossi remains optimistic about Acosta’s future in the sport. He believes that if KTM can close the performance gap with Ducati, Acosta will be in a strong position to challenge for podiums and possibly wins.
Thanks to his early season success, Acosta has already secured a move to KTM’s factory team for 2025, replacing Jack Miller. While Acosta has yet to fulfill the predictions made by Jorge Lorenzo earlier in the year — who boldly suggested Acosta would win a Grand Prix — his performance has been impressive nonetheless. Alongside teammate Brad Binder, Acosta has often been the top non-Ducati rider on the grid, which speaks to his potential despite the technical limitations of his current bike.
As the season draws to a close, it’s clear that Acosta has much to prove in the future, but his progression this year signals that he has the talent and determination to become a top contender in MotoGP. If KTM can deliver the improvements needed, Acosta’s rookie year might only be the beginning of what could be a successful and thrilling MotoGP career.