Herve Poncharal explains why Pedro Acosta is already better than Brad Binder at KTM

Add as preferred source on Google

Pedro Acosta finished just two points below Brad Binder as a MotoGP rookie in 2024. After Acosta graduated from Tech3, they will now be teammates at the KTM factory squad.

KTM believe they have the best depth of any manufacturer on the grid. Alongside Acosta and Binder, they have signed Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales – who boast 17 Grand Prix victories combined – to form an all-new Tech3 line-up.

Acosta enjoyed higher peaks than Binder in the intra-KTM battle last season. He finished on the podium five times, while the South African only did so once, and he also took pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix.

But Binder ultimately came out on top because of his impressive consistency. He finished in the points in all but two of the races he started, while the newcomer recorded six non-scores.

Acosta crashed more than any other rider, so if he can cut out the errors with a year of experience under his belt, he may leave Binder behind. He was consistently the quickest KTM rider during winter testing.

One report notes that Acosta brought a ‘breath of air’ to the team with his lap times. For all their credentials, none of his stablemates looked capable of matching him.

Tech3 boss Herve Poncharal raves about ‘exemplary’ Pedro Acosta, makes Brad Binder comparison

Speaking to GPOne, Acosta’s former boss Herve Poncharal explained why Binder is ‘the most useful’ benchmark for Bastianini. At this stage, matching his pace is a more realistic target.

Both riders have spent their entire careers on RC16 machinery. But Acosta seems to be more in tune with the motorcycle, as evidenced by his confidence in the braking zones.

Poncharal has seen palpable ‘admiration’ from Bastianini after looking at Acosta’s telemetry. He’s regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the sport’s recent history.

Bastianini has studied Acosta’s data amid his own struggles adapting from the Ducati bike. He publicly shared observations and revealed that he was trying to emulate the youngster’s riding style.

“At the moment, Brad Binder is the most useful reference within the KTM family,” Poncharal said. “The ultimate reference at KTM, however, is Pedro Acosta.

“He has only ridden KTM in MotoGP so far, now in his second year. His riding style suits KTM 100%. He loves the bike.

• READ MORE: Everything to know about Pedro Acosta from net worth to girlfriend

“Pedro has so much trust in the front wheel. He is an exemplary late braker, which is why he can often overtake when turning into corners.

“He is currently the best KTM rider. When riders like Enea look at Pedro’s data, you can feel admiration. They want to emulate him.

“Enea does not yet have the necessary trust in the bike to be able to do what Pedro does. That is why Brad Binder is the more suitable reference point for our two riders for the time being.”

Marc Marquez has just told Pedro Acosta how to cut down his MotoGP crashes in 2025

Inevitably, Acosta is already attracting interest from other manufacturers. They sense an opportunity amid the financial crisis at KTM.

Valentino Rossi is trying to lure Acosta to VR46, the second-in-command team at Ducati. He would likely be given a current-spec bike, which would allow him to fight for the title based on current form.

This year, he’ll be in the fight for the best of the rest role behind the Bologna outfit. Aprilia are stronger after the signing of world champion Jorge Martin, while Yamaha and Honda both showed a clear improvement in testing.

Acosta needs to follow Marc Marquez’s advice to limit his costly accidents. The MotoGP legend says there are only five or six laps in a race where a rider truly needs to take risks, and the KTM ace has admitted that he was guilty of pushing too hard at times.