Pedro Acosta envious and optimistic after Maverick Viñales' Qatar GP

The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix marks a turning point in Maverick Viñales' adventure with KTM. A newcomer to the Austrian brand, the Spaniard, who has struggled since the start of the season, surprised the paddock by taking the lead in the race at Losail.

He held the lead for several laps before being forced to give way to the comeback of Marc Marquez. Second at the checkered flag, he was eventually demoted to 14th place after a 16-second penalty for failing to comply with the minimum pressure on his front tire.

Within the KTM fold, most of his peers are hoping to repeat Maverick Viñales' feat. Interviewed after the race, Pedro Acosta was full of praise for his compatriot.

"We all know he's very talented, he confided after the race in comments relayed by GP Inside. He was able to try to win with all the bikes he rode. He started sixth, was fourth on the first lap. Not many bikes in front of him from the start. We know how fast he can be when he puts everything into it.

This surprising performance by Maverick Viñales goes hand in hand with the progress made by KTM, in private tests at Misano just before flying to Doha.

“It’s the little details that count, continues Pedro Acosta. He had a really good race. And we didn't just see it at home. You can also be fast like the others when you don't have these big vibrations. It's a good sign. I would like it to go even better, but I'm also happy for Maverick. He deserves it."

It remains to be seen whether the KTM riders will be able to confirm this in just under two weeks, at the Spanish Grand Prix which will be held on the Jerez circuit, marking the start of the long European tour of the MotoGP.

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