Marco Bezzecchi
Pedro Acosta has been setting records in MotoGP in 2026, but not in the way he would hope, as his wait for a win continues.
The KTM rider has been producing some great results on the RC16 since the second half of 2025. Acosta had the wrong attitude before the summer break, and this change in mindset resulted in 12 podiums, including Sprints, from the Austrian GP.
Who is going to win the Spanish Grand Prix?
And let us know why in the comments!
Since then, Acosta has been far and away KTM’s top rider, currently sitting third in the standings behind the two factory Aprilias. He finished second in Thailand and third in Austin, but he is still waiting for his first Grand Prix win.
Acosta did win the Sprint in Thailand, marking his first race win in any format in MotoGP. However, Carl Fogarty does not think Acosta is a race winner as he does not take Sprint wins into account.
Pedro Acosta ‘aggravated’ by beating Colin Edwards’ record of most podiums without a win
With 12 MotoGP podiums, Acosta has now equalled Colin Edwards’ record of most podium finishes without a win. The latter won two World Superbike titles, but never claimed victory in the premier class.
This feat is something that ‘aggravates’ Acosta, according to journalist Dennis Noyes. Speaking on the Paddock Pass Podcast, he says he is desperate to end his winless run.
“One thing that aggravates Acosta is everybody talking about the fact that he has just tied Colin Edwards for the rider who has the most podiums without a win.
What does matching Colin Edwards’ record say about Pedro Acosta?
“What I would add to that is he has 12 podiums in 44 starts. Colin Edwards had four podiums in 196 starts, so I don’t see too much of a similarity there.
“And even he almost refused to celebrate that win. In fact, he did refuse in the parc ferme to even show himself to be happy about having beaten Marc Marquez because of the penalty.
“And I think that really indicates he’s looking at the long game. He’s thinking of himself as battling for the championship all the way. Not this year, I don’t think, but he’s going to be on a Ducati next year. He needs to get that first win.”
READ MORE: Daniel Ricciardo’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
What Marc Marquez said to Pedro Acosta after Thailand Sprint win
Acosta’s first Sprint win did not come without its controversy. Marc Marquez produced a late dive bomb at the final corner on the penultimate lap, sending the KTM rider wide.
The Ducati rider was judged to have forced Acosta off the track and was told to give the position back, handing the win to his fellow countryman.
Neil Hodgson felt Marquez deserved the penalty, saying that the overtake was not on for the Ant of Cervera. He accepted the punishment and showed great respect to his rival.
Marquez was content with second in Thailand and offered his congratulations to Acosta in parc ferme. The 33-year-old went on to win the Sprint in Goiania, but has not scored a Grand Prix podium this year.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
