Kevin Schwantz offers seven words of wisdom to ‘outstanding’ Pedro Acosta before Americas Grand Prix

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Pedro Acosta has, to his credit, been diplomatic in his interviews after KTM’s frustrating start to the MotoGP season. The consensus is that he’s impatient and desperate to start winning races, but he hasn’t piled his team under pressure.

Perhaps Acosta understands the sensitivity of KTM’s situation right now. It was only a month ago that the company survived a crucial creditor vote, but their future in MotoGP remains in doubt.

The Spaniard has protected the team from further instability. In an interview this week, Acosta’s manager Albert Valera said there had been no talks over an exit ahead of his contract expiring at the end of 2026.

The sophomore rider arrives at the Grand Prix of the Americas 10th in the championship on 13 points. He’s yet to crack the top six in a race this season and was 19th in Thailand after an early accident.

KTM appear to have stagnated in their pursuit of the dominant Ducati. They finished second behind the Bologna outfit in last year’s constructors’ championship.

Kevin Schwantz urges Pedro Acosta to ‘keep digging’ amid KTM frustration

MotoGP legend Kevin Schwantz has joined the series’ official broadcast team for this weekend’s race. Speaking on Thursday, he offered his advice to Acosta.

The 1993 world champion ranks in the all-time top 10 for both wins (25) and pole positions (27) and is also in the 50+ podium club. Acosta will no doubt place a great deal of stock in his words.

Schwantz has no doubt that the 20-year-old can win on a contending motorcycle. But he also shared seven words of wisdom as he grapples with the RC16’s limitations – ‘keep your head up and keep digging’.

“Rookie season, I think Pedro did an outstanding job, led some Grands Prix, had a chance to win a couple of Grands Prix,” he said. “He didn’t quite make it to the end, but he showed some outright speed that [shows] he can do what needs to be done when the bike’s close.

“Frustrating that they haven’t seen much progress this off-season as the season’s gotten started. If he asked me for advice, I’d tell him [to] keep his head up and keep digging.”

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

Schwantz praised Acosta for his openness in the media, and believes he’s injected fresh life into the premier class.

“I think you should say what needs to be said, not what they want you to say,” he added. “Pedro’s been a real bright spot in the sport in MotoGP for us.”

KTM test rider Pol Espargaro shares what Pedro Acosta has privately been told

In the two-week gap between the Argentina and Americas Grands Prix, the speculation around Acosta has restarted. It doesn’t necessarily seem to be emanating from within his camp.

VR46 have an offer ready for Acosta, with Valentino Rossi a keen admirer. The Doctor apparently believes he could sign the ‘anti-Marc Marquez’.

However, Acosta won’t ride for Ducati until Marquez leaves, which may be a wise approach. It’s also unlikely that he’d accept a satellite offer.

KTM test rider Pol Espargaro says Acosta has been told to ‘stay calm’, as have Brad Binder and the Tech3 pair. Espargaro has cautioned against a premature judgement, though, and is confident of an improved showing at Austin this weekend.