Pol Espargaro privately named the only two MotoGP riders who are in the same bracket as Pedro Acosta

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Pedro Acosta is establishing himself as one of the top talents in MotoGP, with many putting him among the best on the grid.

The 21-year-old made a name for himself in his rookie campaign with Tech3 in 2024, scoring five podiums and finishing sixth in the standings. Moving to the factory KTM team this season, Acosta has found another gear after a frustrating start.

The Spaniard and his fellow KTM riders struggled to find the right setup with the RC16, with Acosta crashing regularly and expressing his discontent towards the manufacturer to the media. But he turned a corner after the summer break.

Acosta’s ‘positive’ new approach has worked wonders as he is starting to challenge consistently at the front. He has grabbed 11 podiums, including Sprints, since the Czech Grand Prix.

Acosta has also dominated Brad Binder in qualifying, beating him at every race thus far. He is having an even stronger sophomore year than his rookie season, highlighting his incredible talent in MotoGP.

Pol Espargaro named Marc Marquez and Fabio Quartararo as the only two riders in the same bracket as Pedro Acosta

The only thing missing for the Spaniard is his maiden win. Acosta is one of four MotoGP riders yet to win a race, with the KTM riders finishing second three times in 2025.

Acosta is seen as the future of MotoGP, with many already regarding him as one of the best riders in the sport. KTM test rider Pol Espargaro has him in the top three MotoGP talents after speaking to journalist Simon Patterson at Portimao.

When asked who the other two riders were, he privately told Patterson that Marc Marquez and Fabio Quartararo completed his top three.

“We were talking to Pol Espargaro on Saturday and he said that Pedro is one of the best three riders in the championship,” said Patterson via The Race MotoGP Podcast.

“And I asked him afterwards, after we’d stopped recording, who are the other two? And it’s not because I didn’t know, it’s because I wanted him to confirm what everyone believes.

“Fabio Quartararo, Marc Marquez, Pedro Acosta. Best three riders in the championship.”

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

Could Pedro Acosta challenge for the championship in 2026?

With Acosta and KTM continuing to improve, the 21-year-old could have an outside chance of fighting for the championship in 2026. He has finished in the top five in seven of the last 10 races.

Marquez named Acosta as an ‘opponent’ in 2026 alongside Alex Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi. They make up the current top five this season and will certainly be looking to be up there again next year.

For Acosta, 2026 is critical not just for him but for KTM. With Bajaj set to cut costs by 50%, it could have an impact on the MotoGP operation and the development of the bike.

The Spaniard wants to win the title, but he currently does not have the machine to do so. He will want to see KTM continue their improvements, or he will consider other options, with Acosta eyeing a move to Ducati.