Dani Pedrosa explains KTM focus on Pedro Acosta’s strengths
Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Dani Pedrosa has backed KTM’s decision to build a MotoGP bike that better suits Pedro Acosta, saying it makes sense to design around their top rider. Acosta hasn’t just maintained his momentum from last year – he’s stepped up another level. Even with the bike not quite on par with the top teams, he’s already third in the riders’ standings.
Enea Bastianini is the next closest KTM rider, and he’s down in P11. After his win at Le Mans, which was round five of the campaign, Acosta told Marca how happy he was with how KTM had been developing their package. “I think we have evolved quite a lot in this part of getting to know the limits of the motorbike,” Acosta said.
“It is true that I am not using as much engine brake as Brad (Binder) or Enea (Bastianini), so maybe I am less prone to that type of behaviour. But overall I am pretty happy with how we are evolving. ” Despite his growing influence on development, there have still been questions about whether KTM should tailor their entire program around Acosta rather than Binder or Bastianini.
Dani Pedrosa on why KTM is building around Pedro Acosta Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images KTM’s approach is centred around the development of Acosta, who is their most successful rider to date. However, the Japanese firm does not neglect the need for widespread development. Across all four teams within KTM, bike designs are kept consistent to ensure every rider benefits from collective improvements and changes.
However, some subtle differences are tailored to fit individual riders’ preferences. These changes are often built around KTM’s most in-form rider at any given time. Pedro Acosta believes his teammates should benefit from the same bike setup Acosta also offered his perspective, suggesting that Bastianini, Brad Binder, and Maverick Vinales could gain from following his lead with the RC16.