Marco Bezzecchi
Maverick Vinales has had a difficult start to life at KTM since joining from Aprilia in 2025.
The Spaniard joined the manufacturer’s satellite team Tech3 alongside Enea Bastianini from Ducati. Factory KTM riders Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta give the Austrian outfit a strong line-up for the next seasons.
However, KTM hit a stumbling block with their financial crisis over the winter. It was feared the situation would affect them on the track – while the manufacturer is safe for now, their MotoGP project is struggling.
KTM are joint bottom of the manufacturer’s championship after four rounds, with Vinales and Bastianini languishing at the back. The former was struggling to adapt to the RC16, with a highest finish of 12th in Argentina from the opening three races.
At the Qatar Grand Prix, Vinales suddenly found performance. Qualifying P6, he battled for the lead in Sunday’s race, coming across the line in second. However, Vinales was handed a 16-second penalty for a tyre pressure infringement, dropping him to 14th.
The Spaniard was KTM’s top rider in Qatar, much to the surprise of the MotoGP paddock. Acosta has consistently been the top performer at the manufacturer in 2025.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Maverick Vinales from career stats to net worth
Maverick Vinales says Pedro Acosta’s youth gives him ‘more desire’ at KTM
The Spaniard has been hugely impressive since joining MotoGP in 2024. KTM’s performance this season has been underwhelming, but Acosta has continued to be the top rider.
But his fellow compatriot is looking to make steps to improve. Vinales adjusted his riding position in Argentina to get accustomed to the RC16 and he has noticed Binder and Bastianini adopting the same approach.
But speaking with DAZN, Vinales says Acosta is still riding differently from him. At just 20 years old, the Tech3 rider claims his youth means he has ‘more desire’ than the other KTM talents.
“I’ve seen several people, both Enea and Brad, who want to try how I ride the bike and want to try the same things I ride. That’s already a good sign,” he analyzed on DAZN.
“Pedro I think tried some things in Qatar and liked them, others he didn’t. Obviously, you can also see that Pedro rides in front of the bike; he rides a little differently.
“You have to evolve very quickly, but you have to give the situation time. Maybe being older, and being a father, I understand that with two girls you have to be very patient… it’s easier for me.
“He has more fire, he’s younger. He has more desire in that sense.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Pedro Acosta from net worth to girlfriend
Pedro Acosta’s frustrations at KTM could see him leave in 2026
Since KTM’s financial situation was apparent, Acosta has been quick to voice his concern and discontent over the matter.
Acosta is so frustrated at KTM as the issues with the RC16 from last season have not been resolved. It has led to speculation that the 20-year-old could look for a way out.
Acosta’s manager met with Albert Puig in the paddock to discuss his future. Honda are keen on signing the 20-year-old, but he has not committed to leaving KTM just yet.
However, his frustrations are clear to see. Acosta told KTM staff to ‘get their act together’, convinced that the bike is the issue, not the riders.
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