Marco Bezzecchi
KTM’s racing manager believes Pedro Acosta ‘deserved the win’ in the opening Sprint Race of the season.
The start of the 2026 MotoGP season kicked off with fireworks as Pedro Acosta secured his first Sprint Race victory in his third year in the class.
However, his victory was overshadowed by a stewarding decision that saw Marc Marquez have to drop a place after an overtake he put in on Acosta on the penultimate lap.
Marquez was given the penalty on the final lap of the race, and moved aside at the final corner, allowing Acosta back through, and completing his penalty.
Although the penalty has been hotly discussed, KTM stand strong in their belief that Acosta was the deserved winner of the opening Sprint Race of the season.
Pedro Acosta wins his first MotoGP race!
Have we seen just seen MotoGP's best ever Sprint?
KTM Racing Manager reacts to Acosta’s first Sprint victory
Despite a controversial call from Race Direction so early in the season, there were celebrations from the factory KTM crew as they stood on the top step of a MotoGP Sprint Race podium.
But when discussing Acosta’s first Sprint Race victory with Servus TV, KTM racing manager Jens Hainbach, stated that Acosta ‘deserved the win’.
The Spanish rider was praised by Hainbach as he believes Acosta was making Marquez ‘a little nervous’ because of the pressure he was putting on the reigning champion.
Hainbach said, “Pedro didn’t let up. He stayed right on his tail, constantly catching Marc’s front wheel and making him a little nervous. Sure, we benefited from the penalty in the end, but he deserved the win.
“There are still 43 more races to go. But the crew has certainly earned this for their hard work.”
What are your thoughts on Marc Marquez getting a penalty for this move on Pedro Acosta?
Pedro Acosta is hoping for a ‘real victory’ on Sunday
Now that Acosta has secured his first Sprint Race victory as a MotoGP rider, he is eyeing up ‘a real victory’ to go alongside it.
During his first two seasons in MotoGP, Acosta was not able to win a race, but came close on multiple occasions as a consistent podium contender.
The Spaniard’s hopes are high ahead of the opening Grand Prix of the season on Sunday, the 1st of March at the Chang International Circuit.
Acosta also told Servus TV, “On Sunday, we would like to secure a real victory at the GP.”
He would not be the first KTM rider to win a MotoGP race at the Thai Grand Prix, as Miguel Oliveira claimed victory for the Austrian manufacturer at the event in 2022.
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