Pit Beirer explains why Pedro Acosta’s success in debut MotoGP season was ‘dangerous’ for KTM

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Pedro Acosta took the MotoGP paddock by storm in 2024 with his incredible debut season in the premier class.

Winning the Moto3 title as a rookie and Moto2 in his second season in 2023, Acosta joined KTM satellite team Tech3 last season. His success in the junior categories drew comparisons with Marc Marquez as many believed he was a serious talent.

The 20-year-old justified the hype as he was immediately competitive in MotoGP. Acosta grabbed his first podium at only his second race with third in Portimao.

He followed it up with second in Austin and went on to grab three more podiums across the year. The Spaniard finished the 2024 season sixth in the standings, just two points behind factory KTM rider Brad Binder.

Acosta’s incredible performances helped KTM finish second ahead of Aprilia in the Constructors’ Championship. It soon became clear that the Austrian outfit had a ‘diamond’ on their hands.

Pedro Acosta’s success was ‘dangerous’ for KTM as he invited interest from the rest of the paddock

Unsurprisingly, the 20-year-old was a target for several teams up and down the paddock for the 2025 season, and KTM were sure to keep hold of him.

Acosta signed a two-year factory contract with KTM and he will move to the main team alongside Binder in 2025.

Speaking on Season Three, Episode Three of MotoGP’s documentary series There Can Only Be One, motorsport director Pit Beirer said Acosta’s success became ‘dangerous’ for the team.

READ MORE: KTM rider Pedro Acosta’s life outside of MotoGP from net worth to girlfriend

The Spaniard had invited interest from ‘pretty much everybody’ in the paddock. Beirer had to ensure KTM worked fast to get him a new contract.

“Pedro is a diamond in MotoGP. How he showed up, what he has shown and then [he] since became dangerous because he came on the platform so strong that the whole paddock was amazed.

“I think he got a call from pretty much everybody in that paddock, so we didn’t want to wait for anything. It was clear we want this boy with us as long as possible”.

Could Pedro Acosta be on the move amid KTM’s financial crisis?

Acosta will be looking to build on his impressive rookie season with the factory KTM team in 2025. But that may prove difficult given the Austrian’s company ongoing financial crisis.

KTM are reporting debts of around £2.5bn and are in self-administration. While KTM have vowed to continue racing in 2026 and beyond, there are concerns they may withdraw from MotoGP entirely.

Acosta may already regret signing his KTM contract as they may not be competitive in 2025. The Spaniard has looked to find answers from the team about the situation and the upcoming season.

If KTM are to leave the premier class, the 20-year-old would become the hottest free agent on the rider market. Several teams will be monitoring his situation, with Michelle Pirro wanting to tempt Acosta to join Ducati if he leaves KTM.