Marco Bezzecchi
KTM boss Pit Beirer has praised Pedro Acosta after seeing the KTM rider’s battle with Marc Marquez during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
Last weekend, the 2026 MotoGP season continued with the Hungarian Grand Prix, taking place around the Balaton Park Circuit.
After making his injury return in Mugello, seven-time world champion Marquez headed into Hungary as the favourite.
Marquez ended up winning both races as he produced a statement performance at Balaton Park.
Pedro Acosta now leads the way for most podiums without a win. What does this record say about him? 🍾
Pit Beirer loves what he saw Pedro Acosta realise during battle against Marc Marquez
Acosta finished second to Marquez in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix, drawing praise from KTM motorsports director Beirer.
The 53-year-old stated that Acosta was ‘impressive’ during his battle with Marquez.
He went on to say that the 22-year-old showed his ‘maturity’ when he realised P2 was the best he could manage on the day.
As reported by Speedweek, Beirer said: “When Pedro battles Marc Marquez for the win in both races, and the two of them manage to gain ten seconds on the third-placed rider in the GP race, that’s truly commendable.
“It was further proof of what a great job Pedro is doing right now. To understand how strong Pedro really was, you have to look at the entire weekend.
“He was there right from the start. As he had done recently, he rode confidently and flawlessly into Q2. Putting the bike on the front row in qualifying helped tremendously. When you’re already at the front, you simply have other options.”
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Beirer added: “And then two races with maximum speed and composure at the same time, from start to finish, again without a single mistake in the duel with Marc. That was really impressive.
“Pedro managed to ride his bike completely at the limit for three days and make the most of the situation.
“And – on top of that – he had the speed to battle hard but fairly with Marc Marquez, and the maturity to understand at the right moment that second place was the best he could manage.”
After a strong showing in Hungary, Acosta now has 132 points, which puts him fourth, six behind VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Meanwhile, Marquez, fresh from his double victory, sits fifth with 108 points.
The 2026 MotoGP campaign will continue next weekend with the Czechia Grand Prix, which will be held at the Masaryk Circuit.
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