Marco Bezzecchi
Pedro Acosta is struggling to get to grips with his RC16 as KTM endure a torrid start to the 2025 MotoGP season.
The manufacturer’s financial crisis over the winter cast doubt over the competitiveness of their MotoGP project. While KTM’s restructuring plan has been approved and their short-term secure, their results on the track have left something to be desired.
Acosta moved from the satellite Tech3 team to the KTM factory team after a stunning rookie season in 2024. But his transition has not met the results he would have expected.
KTM suffered a horrific rear tyre issue in Buriram during pre-season testing. The RC16 is still having vibration problems as Acosta fell off his bike during the season opener, limping home 19th.
The Spaniard finished behind teammate Brad Binder in Argentina in eighth. Acosta has 13 points after the first two races, 17 fewer than he had at this point in 2024.
Peter Bom fears Acosta is ‘less determined’ in 2025 as he has openly vented his frustrations towards KTM and their current situation. The 20-year-old will be desperate to see improvement, but he has received a ‘difficult’ message behind the scenes.
Pol Espargaro says it is ‘hard to tell’ Pedro Acosta to ‘stay calm’ about KTM’s issues
There have been some silver linings surrounding KTM’s difficult start to 2025, however. Acosta displayed top-five pace in Buriram after his crash, according to his crew.
But the Spaniard has found the bike changes so often between sessions. Acosta has urged KTM to ‘understand’ the problem as his concerns grow stronger.
Test rider Pol Espargaro is confident the RC16 can find performance after the first two races. However, he admitted that it is ‘hard to tell’ Acosta to ‘stay calm’ when it is ‘difficult’ to know where the bike currently is.
“It’s very difficult in the first races of the year to really understand where the bike is, especially because places like here in Argentina where you don’t really come often, you cannot work with this kind of asphalt together with the tyres,” he said via The Race MotoGP YouTube channel.
“So you face situations that in Europe you would not face.
“Yeah for sure, but it’s difficult to tell them to stay calm. From outside this is easy, when you are on the bike, it’s hard to calm down when you see other guys overtaking you.
“But anyway, I believe and I trust that we have the package we have, it’s much better than what is happening right now in Buriram and in Argentina. I t’s going to come back in a good mood I believe in Texas or in Qatar so we need to be a little bit patient.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Pedro Acosta from net worth to girlfriend
KTM risk losing Pedro Acosta if they cannot resolve the problems with their bike
Pit Beirer admitted Acosta’s rookie season was dangerous for KTM as he attracted interest from rival teams. The 20-year-old is the hottest prospect in MotoGP right now and will have several suitors eyeing his signature.
The Spaniard has a two-year contract and Acosta plans to see out the deal amid speculation that he could leave KTM. However, if the bike cannot improve, there will certainly be thoughts about cutting ties with the Austrian manufacturer.
VR46 have a ‘cheque in hand’ to sign Acosta and KTM could potentially agree to terminate the Spanaird’s contract if he remains dissatisfied.
Franco Morbidelli is out of contract in 2025, thus opening the door for the 20-year-old to join Valentino Rossi’s squad. But Acosta will not join Ducati if Marc Marquez stays as he thinks the six-time MotoGP champion ‘already reigns supreme’ in the premier class.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
