Pedro Acosta reversed a slow start in the latter half of the 2025 MotoGP season, securing 12 podium finishes. Despite these strong results and being a multiple-time runner-up, the former Moto3 and Moto2 world champion has yet to claim his first premier-class victory.
When asked which race impressed him most, Acosta’s factory KTM crew chief, Paul Trevathan, highlighted the Sepang race, praising Pedro’s tire management skills. “I heard many say, ‘Pedro is too strong for the tires,’ but his control throughout the race was excellent,” Trevathan explained. He also singled out Acosta’s performance in the Portimao sprint as possibly his best, noting how he battled fiercely from start to finish. After a close duel, Acosta narrowly clinched the win over Alex Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi by just 0.120 seconds.
Despite the sprint success raising hopes for a win in the main Grand Prix, Acosta ended up third behind Bezzecchi and Marquez, which left Trevathan somewhat disappointed. He said, “That’s what drives Pedro—he wants to fight, no matter the outcome. It’s not assured he’ll win the MotoGP World Championship, but he values the battle itself deeply. Not being able to fight is what truly frustrates him.” Trevathan also praised Acosta’s second-place finish at the Balaton race as another great step forward.
Although some expected Acosta to have won by now in his second premier-class season, his crew chief believes he is “Ready to Win.” Trevathan commented on the rider’s growing maturity and preparation, emphasizing the importance of how the weekend begins with FP1 (Free Practice 1). “Pedro is now very organized and understands how to approach each race weekend fully,” he said. While it’s unfortunate they haven’t secured a victory yet, Trevathan feels Acosta’s grasp of the sport is continually improving.
Acosta’s development also extends to qualifying sessions, where he initially struggled to consistently deliver his best lap times, leading to a series of starts outside the top 12 early in the season. However, in recent races, he has regularly qualified in the second row. Trevathan explained that Pedro has transitioned from relying mostly on raw talent and willpower to adopting a more strategic approach—calculating risks, recognizing his strengths and weaknesses on each track, and managing his laps carefully. This disciplined mindset allows Acosta to feel more in control rather than just pushing hard blindly.
Moreover, Trevathan pointed out the complexity and pressure involved in achieving a ‘time attack’ lap in MotoGP, especially since riders compete on race tires without specialized qualifying tires. “The tension is palpable,” he noted, and this skillset is crucial for rookies moving into the premier class. Every detail matters in squeezing out performance from these highly-developed bikes.
Acosta’s strong resurgence in the second half of the season propelled him to fourth in the world championship standings. KTM is set to unveil its 2026 MotoGP bike livery on January 27, with Acosta and the rest of the RC16 riders scheduled for the Sepang test in early February.
Fan Take: Pedro Acosta’s rise demonstrates the blend of raw talent and tactical growth that excites racing fans, signaling a new star ready to challenge the established elite. His journey underscores the evolving nature of MotoGP, where racecraft and mental strength are just as crucial as speed, promising thrilling battles ahead for the sport.
