Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP pundit Neil Hodgson believes Davide Tardozzi is going to ‘love’ working with Pedro Acosta after hearing the Spaniard’s comments from a recent podcast appearance.
In the feature, the KTM star paid respect to his on-track rival, Marc Marquez, by admitting that he would be more than happy if he can achieve even half of what the nine-time Grand Prix motorcycle world champion has during his illustrious career.
It was quite the compliment, especially given Acosta’s expected move to the factory Ducati team next year, where he will most likely be racing alongside Marquez in red and on equal machinery.
Acosta’s maturity was commended throughout the three-hour long chat, leading former MotoGP rider Neil Hodgson to predict that Ducati chief Davide Tardozzi will relish the opportunity to work with a personality like Acosta.
- READ MORE: Pedro Acosta claims Francesco Bagnaia has ‘no excuses’ for losing to Marc Marquez at Ducati
Neil Hodgson thinks Davide Tardozzi is going to ‘love’ working with Pedro Acosta at Ducati
Speaking via TNT Sports’ coverage of the pre-qualifying practice session at the Czech Grand Prix, Hodgson referenced a recent podcast appearance from Acosta in which he showcased how mature he is as a 22-year-old rider.
Do you agree with Pedro Acosta’s verdict on Francesco Bagnaia losing to Marc Marquez at Ducati?
“Pedro is really interesting,” he began (14:24 19/06), before adding, “He did a podcast after the Barcelona round. I listened to it last night. I tell you what, it’s been a bit of a grey area on whether he is a Marquez fan or not.
“You know, he might have been trying to create a rivalry, but he could not have been nicer about Marc Marquez. He doesn’t seem to have tipped in that direction this year, but I thought that was quite interesting.
“There were so many things he said. Do you know what, he talked for three hours in his second language, he’s 22 years old, and he came across so wise beyond his years. So mature, so intelligent, so articulate.”
Co-commentator Gavin Emmett then highlighted how the young Murcian-born rider has always emitted old-head energy, replying, “That’s what we’ve been saying, isn’t it? He’s old school. He’s an old school racer in a young body.”
- tntREAD MORE: Pedro Acosta accused of playing Valentino Rossi mind games on Marc Marquez ahead of 2027 Ducati move
The pundit then drew a parallel between Acosta’s rumoured move to Ducati next year, finishing with, “I tell you what, Davide Tardozzi is going to love working with him. I can guarantee you that. He’s going to love the chance to work with Pedro Acosta.”
MotoGP legend and KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa previously outlined how Acosta is very much an ‘old school’ racer following his decision to run in last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix with no rider aids at all.
With MotoGP scrapping the majority of rider aids for their new era of regulations in 2027, Acosta could be one of the riders who benefit the most from being able to rely on pure instinct.
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