Pedro Acosta’s costly error halts promising start

KTM’s Pedro Acosta endured a tough start to the 2025 MotoGP season, finishing 19th after an early crash at the Thailand Grand Prix.

Pedro Acosta of Spain and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing crashes out during the MotoGP race at the MotoGP of Thailand – Race at Chang International Circuit on March 2, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Pedro Acosta’s highly anticipated factory KTM debut at the Thailand Grand Prix ended in disappointment after an early crash saw him finish 19th. The Spanish rider, expected to lead KTM’s MotoGP charge in 2025, showed strong pace but was unable to capitalize due to a costly mistake.

Acosta was running in ninth place, closely following Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi, when he misjudged his braking at turn one. The 20-year-old slid into the run-off area and lost control of his bike, forcing him to remount and rejoin the race. However, by the time he got back on track, he had lost too much ground to fight for points.

Despite the disappointing result, KTM engineers took note of Acosta’s speed. His race pace suggested that, without the crash, he could have been in contention for a top-five finish. His raw talent remains undeniable, but the young Spaniard’s aggressive riding style has led to multiple incidents since stepping up to MotoGP.

Acosta was the most crash-prone rider in the 2024 season, suffering more falls than anyone else on the grid. His most high-profile mistake came during the Japanese Grand Prix Sprint, where he crashed out of the lead after securing his maiden pole position. While his potential is clear, his ability to manage race situations remains a work in progress.

Brad Binder and Enea Bastianini were the only KTM riders to score points in Sunday’s Grand Prix, but Acosta’s performance across the weekend still highlighted his potential as the manufacturer’s leading rider. He was consistently the fastest KTM rider in both testing and race weekend sessions, reinforcing expectations that he will spearhead the team’s 2025 campaign.

KTM’s faith in Acosta remains strong

Acosta’s commitment and work ethic have not gone unnoticed within KTM. MotoGP manager Pit Beirer praised the young rider for his dedication, pointing out that he often stays in the garage longer than any of his competitors to analyze data with his engineers.

Speaking to ServusTV, Beirer compared Acosta’s approach to that of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher. The German driver, who won seven world championships, was known for his relentless attention to detail and dedication to improving every aspect of his performance.

“On a race weekend, he is also the last rider to leave the pit lane because he sits with his technician until the end and studies the data on the tyres,” Beirer said. “He gives it his all, he is an extreme rider, as you have heard from the greatest – like Michael Schumacher. They are the ones who are prepared to go a step further off the race track.”

Acosta’s meticulous preparation will be crucial as KTM continues to refine its RC16 machine. The team struggled with severe tire wear issues in Thailand, making his commitment to understanding the bike’s behavior even more important.

Uncertainty over Acosta’s future at KTM

While KTM remains confident in Acosta’s ability, questions about his long-term future with the team continue to surface. Former rider and commentator Keith Huewen suggested that Acosta may have a get-out clause in his contract, which could allow him to leave if KTM’s financial struggles impact their competitiveness.

Acosta’s strong performances have already attracted interest from rival manufacturers, and if KTM fails to provide a winning bike, he could explore other options. However, there were encouraging signs during the Thailand GP weekend, particularly in the Sprint race, where he finished sixth.

Acosta’s fearless riding style stands out

Acosta was the second-fastest non-Ducati rider in the Sprint, showcasing his ability to compete against the strongest bikes on the grid. He executed a bold overtake on Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo to secure sixth place, a move that caught the attention of pundits.

Former MotoGP champion Neil Hodgson described Acosta’s pass as “perfect” and was particularly impressed that he made the move at the notoriously tricky turn four. His willingness to push the limits highlights the fearless approach that has made him one of the most exciting young talents in the sport.

While his Thailand GP result was far from ideal, Acosta’s speed and determination suggest that better days are ahead. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how he bounces back from this early setback and whether KTM can provide the bike he needs to challenge at the front of the field.