Pedro Acosta praises crew chief Paul Trevathan

Pedro Acosta highlights Paul Trevathan’s role in his MotoGP adaptation and team dynamics.

Pedro Acosta of Spain and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rides during the practice session of the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at the Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on February 28, 2025. Photo by Mohd Rasfan/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Pedro Acosta made his MotoGP debut last year, stepping into the premier class as one of the most highly anticipated rookies. Since then, he has been working closely with Paul Trevathan, an experienced crew chief who has played a key role in KTM’s MotoGP project for several years. Acosta’s adaptation to the top tier of motorcycle racing has been heavily influenced by Trevathan’s guidance, with the young Spaniard forming a strong bond with his chief engineer.

Acosta lauds Trevathan’s leadership and team management

Speaking to Australian Motorcycle News, Acosta praised Trevathan not just for his technical expertise but for his ability to manage the team and maintain a strong working relationship with him.

“Paul isn’t just an engineer with a computer. I really love how he manages all the crew, how he manages my head, how he manages everything around me, and how we’ve made our group super-close, so it’s not possible to put shit between us.”

The comment underscores the trust and unity within Acosta’s team, a crucial factor in MotoGP, where rider-crew relationships significantly impact performance. Having a crew chief who understands the emotional and psychological side of racing can be as important as technical acumen, especially for a young rider still adjusting to the demands of the premier class.

Acosta’s approach to racing: instinct over technicality

Despite his growing reputation for delivering insightful feedback, Acosta admitted that he does not consider himself a highly technical rider. Instead, he prefers to focus on his natural instincts and aggressive riding style rather than delving deep into the intricacies of bike setup.

“I’m not really a technical rider. I just like to get on the bike and go flat-out, and that’s it!”

This straightforward approach reflects Acosta’s raw talent and fearless attitude on the track. However, having a crew chief like Trevathan allows him to maximize his potential while ensuring that the technical side of the bike’s development is handled effectively.

The importance of the rider-crew chief relationship in MotoGP

The dynamic between a rider and their crew chief is one of the most crucial aspects of success in MotoGP. Many legendary partnerships in the sport have thrived because of mutual understanding and trust. In Acosta’s case, his partnership with Trevathan is already proving to be a strong foundation for his MotoGP career.

With Trevathan’s experience and Acosta’s natural speed, the duo aims to refine their approach as the season progresses. If the young Spaniard can continue adapting to the technical demands of MotoGP while maintaining his aggressive riding style, he could establish himself as a serious contender in the championship.

As Acosta continues his MotoGP journey, his relationship with Trevathan will remain a key factor in his growth and success. With a supportive crew around him, the Spanish rider has a solid foundation to develop into a top competitor in the premier class.