Brad Binder can’t get his head around one thing Pedro Acosta ‘somehow’ does on KTM MotoGP bike

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Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta will contest one of the most intriguing intra-team battles on the MotoGP grid this year. All the focus will be on Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, but the match-up with Binder will test Acosta’s seemingly immense potential.

Acosta made his debut in the premier class in 2024, racing for KTM satellite squad Tech3. On the same RC16 bike, he finished just two points behind Binder.

Binder’s teammate Jack Miller lost his seat as KTM promoted the outstanding Acosta to the factory squad. He’s the second youngest rider in the field, only behind Gresini’s Fermin Aldeguer (20 vs 19).

Acosta suffered the most crashes of any rider last year. If he can cut out some of those errors – as one would expect in his sophomore year – then Binder may struggle to keep him at bay.

The South African will surpass 100 MotoGP starts this year and look to increase his tally of 11 podiums. KTM’s financial crisis may hamper their in-season development, and prevent him for competing for victories.

Brad Binder in awe of Pedro Acosta’s braking on KTM MotoGP bike

In an interview with Crash.net, Binder spoke glowingly about his new teammate. He may still be a teenager, but he’s already pushing those around him to improve.

Indeed, Binder is amazed by Acosta’s precision on the brakes. He’s able to stop at the ‘exact same point’ using his on-track references, maximising its potential on corner entry.

He has full command over the bike at the apex too, completing a formidable package. Acosta won both the Moto3 and Moto2 championships earlier this decade, so perhaps his new rivals should have seen him coming.

“There are certain things he does extremely well,” Binder remarked. “One in particular is braking. He never goes over the limit but always brakes to the limit and somehow always stops the bike on the exact same point!

“It’s one thing that’s really impressive about his riding style. And the way he’s able to make the bike turn is also great.”

Ducati have already started their charm offensive as they eye Pedro Acosta MotoGP move

Acosta would have been universally coveted even before KTM’s financial situation deteriorated. But now their fellow manufacturers will be sensing an opportunity.

If they have to withdraw from MotoGP for 2025, Acosta will reshape the rider market. Even if they stay, he could grow increasingly frustrated should funding be limited.

Ducati test rider Michele Pirro has invited Acosta to join and even given thanks to ‘the world’ for delivering another ‘champion’. He may have to accept a satellite deal after the arrival of Marc Marquez alongside Francesco Bagnaia.

But Valentino Rossi is already trying to lure Acosta to VR46. In a worrying development for KTM, they held talks at Rossi’s 100km of Champions event earlier this month.