Marco Bezzecchi
Marc Marquez understands the hype around KTM rider Pedro Acosta in MotoGP, and he is backing him to reach the very top.
Before he had even reached the premier class, many people were comparing the two Spaniards, as they saw the young talent as the successor to the Ant of Cervera.
Acosta hated being called ‘the next Marquez’, as he wanted to make a name for himself in MotoGP. After two years in the sport, he is certainly doing that, and his rival thinks he will be capable of much more.
Will Pedro Acosta reach the same heights in MotoGP as Marc Marquez?
The 21-year-old finished sixth in his debut season in 2024 and then fourth in 2025, scoring five podiums in the second half of last year. He has started 2026 strongly, as Acosta won his first MotoGP race in the Sprint in Thailand and currently leads the championship.
It marks the first time a KTM rider has led the MotoGP standings. Acosta is looking to achieve the ultimate crown and get the better of Marquez, with a rivalry between the two already being created.
Marc Marquez says Pedro Acosta will be the ‘benchmark’ for young riders and will ‘define an era’ in MotoGP
The two Spaniards battled throughout the Thailand GP weekend, with Acosta getting the better of the nine-time champion to win the Sprint. Marquez was penalised on the last lap after he forced the KTM star wide with a late lunge at the final corner.
This battle only heightened the rivalry between the pair, which is certain to rumble in MotoGP until Marquez decides to walk away from the sport. Speaking on Onda Cero, the Ducati rider spoke about Acosta and the immense talent that he has.
Finish the sentence: Pedro Acosta will win ___ MotoGP championships in his career
“I understand the hype. Pedro Acosta is the leading rider of the younger generation. He’s the one who’s leading it. He’s special,” he said.
“Then there could be a Máximo Quiles, a David Alonso, Dani Holgado. Fermín Aldeguer will come too. These are rivalries that arise, that can be fleeting, but a real rivalry is created when you get to the final races and you’re fighting for a title.
“I hope I can fight with Pedro Acosta for many more races, because he’s the benchmark of the younger generation and he’ll be one of the riders who defines an era in MotoGP.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Pedro Acosta from net worth to girlfriend
Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta look to have mutual respect
Marquez’s comments are certainly flattering, and it highlights the respect the pair have for each other amidst their rivalry.
This was seen first-hand in Thailand, with Jorge Martinez praising Acosta’s ‘very nice act of respect’ to Marquez and Ducati. He was seen embracing the Spaniard and shaking hands with his team after the Sprint.
Many expect their rivalry to reach new heights in 2027. After all, Acosta will partner with Marquez at Ducati next season, as is being reported.
The two compatriots sharing the same colours and garage are certain to capture all the headlines in 2027 as they battle each other for the MotoGP title.
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