KTM’s MotoGP Revival: Dani Pedrosa Reveals ‘Radical Changes’ and Pedro Acosta’s Rise to Leadership

Dani Pedrosa: "Major Alterations" Key to KTM's Recent Success in MotoGP

KTM's test rider discusses the 2024 MotoGP season on Jorge Lorenzo's podcast.

KTM's test rider, Dani Pedrosa, has stated that the Austrian company needed to implement "significant modifications" to its MotoGP motorcycle to return to being a strong podium competitor in the second half of 2024.

At the beginning of the season, the RC16 emerged as a highly competitive motorcycle, with Brad Binder securing second place on the first night of the championship in Qatar.

Tech3 newcomer Pedro Acosta secured consecutive podium finishes at the grand prix events in Portugal and the United States.

However, apart from a few appearances on the sprint podium, KTM did not achieve another Grand Prix podium finish until Acosta secured third place at Aragon. Since then, the Spanish rider has displayed a significant improvement in his performance.

In the past few weeks, KTM has made several updates to its motorcycle, including a fresh aerodynamic package and a redesigned chassis, which Acosta seems to favor.

During an episode of the Duralavita podcast featuring Jorge Lorenzo, test rider Pedrosa remarked, "Considering the progress made by other competitors, we had to implement significant alterations from the midpoint of the championship to make sure we regained our performance."

"We identified areas for improvement, and Acosta, with his unique riding style, managed to capitalize on them."

Acosta is emerging as a key figure within the KTM team. During last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, he achieved his first-ever pole position in MotoGP. He was leading the sprint race and seemed poised for his first victory when he unfortunately crashed near the end.

During the initial phase of the grand prix, he maintained his strength while holding the second position, but then he experienced another fall.

Despite having been involved in crashes in three of the last four Grand Prix races, Acosta’s pace remains impressive to both those in the racing community and the team at KTM.

Pedrosa notes that the 20-year-old newcomer is increasingly taking on a leadership role within KTM as the season progresses.

"What does he lack? It's evident that we need to assist him with the motorcycle," Pedrosa remarked.

"The adjustments implemented over the summer are proving beneficial for him, as evidenced by his performance in recent races. It's important to note that the Ducati riders are performing at an exceptionally high level, and he simply needs to accumulate more experience."

"He pleasantly caught me off guard. Although I wasn't very familiar with him, I truly appreciate how he is increasingly taking on a leadership role within the team."

"Being part of the official team next year will allow him to make progress."

Explore Further

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest updates, special features, interviews, and offers from the MotoGP paddock straight to your email inbox.

To learn more, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Recent Updates

Additional Reports

Site Directory

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Copying text, images, or drawings, whether in full or in part, is strictly prohibited in any manner.