Moto GP
Rookie Sensation: Pedro Acosta’s Remarkable MotoGP Journey Echoes Valentino Rossi’s Mastery
Pol Espargaro describes Pedro Acosta's development as 'remarkable,' comparing his throttle and brake control to Valentino Rossi's time with Yamaha.
"He maneuvers the throttle and engages the brake in a manner reminiscent of Valentino Rossi's technique at Yamaha."
Pol Espargaro expressed his surprise at the rapid adaptation of MotoGP newcomer Pedro Acosta to the top-tier racing category.
Espargaro offers a distinctive viewpoint on the current Moto2 champion's successes, voluntarily reducing his racing commitments to accommodate Acosta's entry into GASGAS Tech3 this year, while also supporting his development in any way he can through his position as a KTM factory test rider.
"Espargaro grinned while discussing the young rider's performance at the recent Mugello race. He emphasized, 'He really didn't require that much assistance!' referring to the 20-year-old who has impressively secured two Grand Prix podiums and currently holds the position of the leading KTM competitor in the MotoGP rankings, placed fifth."
"Espargaro exclaimed, "He came into the world prepared!" He continued, "Given the current intense competitive state of MotoGP, witnessing someone excel in such a manner with our motorcycle is absolutely remarkable."
"I attribute greater significance to it than before. Riders such as Lorenzo and Marquez were exceptional [during their rookie years], yet the competition was limited to just four motorcycles vying for the championship. Currently, the field has expanded, including not only factory teams but also satellite competitors."
"Every participant is youthful, skilled, and quick, yet this particular individual is showcasing that he's surpassing them in speed, even without prior experience! What he's accomplishing is truly remarkable. Therefore, he doesn't require any assistance from me!"
Highlighting a few of Acosta's capabilities, the rider who has finished on the MotoGP podium with Yamaha, KTM, and Honda mentioned:
The first thing that truly astounded me was his ability to utilize the entire track, moving seamlessly from the inside to the outside. It's incredibly challenging and yet, he makes it look effortless.
Another aspect that took me by surprise is his braking technique. Usually, the natural response is to approach the 150-metre mark, realize you're traveling at 350 kilometers per hour, and then slam on the brakes with full force.
"Observing his technique of manipulating the throttle while applying the brake, it reminded me of what Valentino [Rossi] executed during his time with Yamaha. He managed to brake even while maintaining 20% throttle, a feat I could never achieve."
"Once, I gave it a shot here in Mugello, but I nearly met with a disastrous accident right at the first turn! This happened because I didn't ease off the throttle enough while applying the brakes!"
"Additionally, the manner in which he leans into the curves with his motorcycle is quite fascinating. Given my shorter stature, I'm unable to replicate his technique, but the distinctive way he positions himself off the side of the motorcycle truly stands out. I believe this technique significantly aids in maneuvering the bike through the apex of the turns."
Upon hearing what Espargaro had to say, Acosta remarked, "It appears that this riding style suits the motorcycle. Moreover, my goal is to ultimately take the best techniques from everyone and combine them.
"As I often mention, the motorcycle gives off the vibe that it's urging me to operate it in this specific manner."
Reflecting broadly on his initial seven MotoGP races, Acosta remarked with a smile, "Not a catastrophe!"
Frankly speaking, there's room for improvement, yet it could have also turned out less favorably. Indeed, we missed out on two promising chances in Le Mans and Barcelona, however, it's all a part of the growth journey.
"Following these seven races, our understanding has significantly improved. We have numerous strategies to experiment with and considerations to make for the upcoming races."
A significant takeaway thus far is understanding just how incredibly quick the MotoGP riders are, and realizing that sometimes, adopting a calmer approach can actually lead to faster results.
In addition to preventing vibration problems with the RC16 through advancements and adjustments in his riding technique, Acosta believes he has room for improvement in:
"In lengthy turns, such as those in Barcelona, focusing on maintaining a slightly higher speed with the rear."
Acosta is gearing up for his eighth MotoGP appearance in Assen this weekend, marking the beginning of consecutive races that present his final opportunity to surpass Marc Marquez's achievement as the youngest winner in MotoGP history.
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