Pedro Acosta starts strong on home soil, but is wary of Aprilia

As the outcome of the MotoGP The season is fast approaching – even if the suspense is no longer really there at the front with the top two positions already secured by the Márquez brothers – Pedro Acosta (KTM) will contest the final Grand Prix of the season this weekend at his home track in Valencia. The Mazarrón native returns for the second time to his childhood circuit (he was on the circuit's team at the age of 12 or 13), buoyed by a supportive home crowd and fresh off an excellent result in Portimão. Despite lacking feel for the Algarve circuit, the Spaniard secured a solid second place in the Sprint and a third in the race.

In Valencia, however, Acosta focused his attention on the Aprilia threat, whose motorcycle he found to be " unstoppable lately Marco Bezzecchi, now third in the championship, arrives brimming with confidence after his victory in Portugal. Aprilia has made a lot of progress. Bezzecchi is at his best since the year he finished third in the championship with Valentino's Ducati. It's a good time for him and his team. If I find myself racing against him, we'll need to know what strengths each of us can bring to the table. "The Italian would indeed benefit from a particularly well-tuned motorcycle." Their motorcycle has a lot of turns and is very stable. Acosta wants it. Unlike ours, which always moves a little more and slips a little more »

A promising start to the weekend for Pedro Acosta

The KTM rider, however, approaches the Ricardo Tormo circuit with confidence after dominating practice ahead of Marco Bezzecchi's very convincing Aprilia. I don't have as many disadvantages here as I did in Portimão, with those very long corners, a lot of traction, and very fast exits. He says. Here, in all the turns, I then have straight sections where I can brake hard. »

As the season progressed, Pedro Acosta noticed a clear evolution in his riding style. I've improved a lot on the bike. I'm less aggressive than before. Maybe before I pushed too hard when I had good opportunities and I kind of forgot about everything else. recognizes the Spaniard. Now I'm able to use more elements of my piloting and to calm myself down. At the beginning of the year, I was bitter because I couldn't do it. »

Currently fifth in the championship, the KTM rider is now chasing two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia for fourth place (they are separated by 3 points). On home soil, buoyed by positive momentum – unlike his Italian rival – Pedro Acosta could well overtake the Ducati rider and finish his season in style.

ALSO READ > Valencia GP – Qualifying: Acosta fastest, Quartararo in Q2