Four days on from an exciting Sunday in Misano and the MotoGP paddock has arrived at the Red Bull Ring for the Austrian Grand Prix, where Pedro Acosta hopes to give KTM something to cheer at their home race.
After the drama at Misano, the 2026 MotoGP title fight is beautifully poised. Marc Marquez leads the standings for the first time this year, but is tied on points with long-time leader Jorge Martin.
And MotoGP Expert Tom Lüthi believes Acosta’s recent performances at Aragon and San Marino bode well for the MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix, where he will be seeking to celebrate KTM’s home race in style.
“We really must start by talking about Pedro Acosta,” said Lüthi. “It’s that name again that’s causing a stir. After the race at the San Marino Grand Prix Pedro Acosta put in another incredible performance. He even managed to close the gap on the Marquez brothers towards the end of the race. You could also see that he was really struggling with the bike, especially in the fast sections, but he put in an incredible riding performance and was rewarded with this podium finish.
“It’s off to KTM’s home race at Spielberg, and motivation is certainly very, very high for Acosta, as well as for all the other KTM riders, which naturally promises plenty of excitement.”
Marc Márquez starts as the favourite
Acosta will know that Marc Márquez will be the rider to beat at the Austrian Grand Prix. The reigning MotoGP World Champion won last year’s Sprint and Grand Prix here a year ago, and counts the Red Bull Ring among his favourite clockwise MotoGP layouts.
He also gained an edge in the MotoGP title fight at Misano by winning at Marco Bezzecchi’s home track, after the Italian had crashed out of the lead.
“Marc pulled off another masterstroke in San Marino, securing maximum points once again,” said Lüthi. “Bezzecchi made a mistake, crashing straight away on the first lap of the Grand Prix. And that, of course, opened the door for Marc Márquez to claim yet another Grand Prix victory, with his brother right behind him.
“Things are really heating up in the World Championship now. The two of them, Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin, are joint leaders on equal points. And that bodes well. Being joint leaders on equal points naturally promises plenty of excitement for the remaining races and for the season’s final sprint.”
‘A really cool track’ – Red Bull Ring analysis
The home of the Austrian MotoGP Grand Prix has produced some classic clashes in previous years, with Marquez’s battles with Andrea Dovizioso particularly memorable. Lüthi believes the layout puts an emphasis on braking performance.
“The circuit at Spielberg is a really cool track. What makes it special is that there are lots of right-hand bends, plenty of hard braking, but actually only three left-hand bends.
“It’s a really exciting track. The bike has to be capable of braking on the straights so you can really drop the brakes late and make up time that way.”
