Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Lorenzo has made a direct comparison between Pedro Acosta and MotoGP legend Casey Stoner, applauding the Murcian rider’s ability to get the most out of sub-optimal prototype machinery.
Casey Stoner’s 2007 title feat for Ducati is well renowned for being the Bologna Bullets’ first taste of end-of-year silverware in the premier class, but it is also held in high regard as one of the best single-season performances from a rider on a difficult bike.
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The legendary Australian one recalled how he somehow managed to clinch the title despite pressure from Valentino Rossi on a bike that was being ‘eaten alive’ on the straights due to a lack of engine power.
The same can be said for Pedro Acosta this year, who has come agonisingly close to a maiden Grand Prix victory in MotoGP, only for his KTM prototype to let him down at crucial moments.
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Jorge Lorenzo: 2026 Pedro Acosta is showing shades of 2007 Casey Stoner
During a post-Hungarian Grand Prix episode of the Duralavita podcast, three-time MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo detailed how Acosta is now showing shades of Stoner due to his overachievements on KTM’s bike.
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“I think Pedro is in a situation right now that I’d compare to when Stoner was riding the Ducati,” the Palma-born former rider said. “He was the only one who could get the most out of it.
“He was leading the way and fighting for wins on the Ducati back in 2007–2008. He’s setting the pace in 2021–2023. In other words, he’s at a disadvantage. As Marc [Marquez] said, he is lucky that Pedro isn’t riding a Ducati.”
Co-host and fellow former rider Ruben Xaus then outlined how he is under the impression that Acosta is actually becoming a more complete rider by being forced to give 110% at every race weekend in order to secure some sort of result.
Upon confirmation of his rumoured move to Ducati, Xaus expects him to continue to show a high calibre of effort, saying, “The thing is, Pedro is growing thanks to that. Pedro is putting in a tremendous effort.
“It’s not as if he’s going to win races just by having a cigarette, but he will have a level of comfort where, on a day when he’s not at his best, he’ll still be up front, unlike now.
“On the days he’s not at his best, he’s in the back of the pack, suffering a lot and taking huge risks, but he’s made a leap in quality, as we said before. Pedro is going to get better every day; he’s going to get better every day and do better every day. Marc is at his peak.
Lorenzo then finished by voicing his concerns over Marquez’s regression in future campaigns, adding, “He’ll most likely go downhill. Whether it’s due to more injuries or because you’re starting to lose a bit of your reflexes or physical fitness.”
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