After the long MotoGP break, Pedro Acosta is cautiously optimistic ahead of the first European race of the young season. “We have to try to break into the top 5. KTM is usually quite strong here”, said the Spanish rider ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. “If we can battle with Aprilia and Ducati, we’re doing a good job.”
The KTM factory team has shown strong form in recent races, said Acosta, who currently sits third in the championship standings. The 21-year-old from Mazarrón is eager for the first of four races on home soil. “It’s the most legendary Spanish Grand Prix on the calendar”, he said, calling the event “always super special” – especially due to the grandstands’ proximity to the track.
KTM will compete at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto with just three riders, as Maverick Viñales remains sidelined. Acosta’s compatriot is still recovering from shoulder surgery in late March. Meanwhile, the Tech3 customer team will field only Enea Bastianini, as substitute rider Pol Espargaro (Spain) is also out with a hand injury. Marco Bezzecchi arrives as the championship leader. The Italian recently claimed his fifth consecutive Grand Prix victory (spanning seasons) in Austin, Texas, setting a new record. With 121 consecutive laps led, the Aprilia rider surpassed Jorge Lorenzo’s 2015 benchmark (103 laps).
After three races, Bezzecchi leads the standings with 81 points, narrowly ahead of teammate Jorge Martín (77) and Acosta (60), who finished third in Austin. “I’m happy to be back in Europe”, said Bezzecchi. “It feels like a fresh start – we had a decent break.” Due to the Qatar race postponement (moved from April to November), riders enjoyed three free weekends.
The competition will be fierce: “The gaps are always razor-thin here”, Bezzecchi noted. For world champion Marc Márquez – currently fifth in the standings – Aprilia remains “the clear favorite in Jerez. We have work to do, step by step”. The Ducati rider admitted the first three races were “not easy” but confirmed he’s physically “at a good level”.
