Pedro Acosta – future GP GOAT?
Josh Close delves into the phenomenon that is Moto3 prodigy Pedro Acosta
Fans’ interest levels have begun to shift to Moto3 in 2021 knowing that they are witnessing history first hand following the arrival of the groundbreaking 16-year-old Pedro Acosta. Acosta’s riding is already at an incredible level after just four races and his third win in a row at Jerez means he’s making history faster than Marc Marquez.
His magician-like skills and the way he seems able to pass his rivals with calculated ease in what is a brutally competitive class are breathtaking. It’s already apparent that Acosta has the spatial awareness needed in Moto3 and despite being 16, his race craft appears to already be on a higher plane than his rivals.
At Jerez, Acosta was almost thrown over the handlebars at turn six, but on the following lap instead of backing off 1 or 2%, he instead dived down the inside of Deniz Öncü and teammate Jaume Masia to take the lead and eventual victory. Talk about being a fast learner.
Acosta is the first rider in Grand Prix history to finish on the podium in his first four races.
“The only thing that the team tells me is to enjoy it,” he said. “When you have fun, everything becomes easier. Aki [Ajo – KTM Moto3 team boss] told me: ‘Mate, if we can win, do it. If not, be careful and take some points.’
I had to be careful but if I see an opportunity, I go for it.”
Being a boy wonder is one thing but being in Ajo’s team is also beneficial. The Finnish team boss has guided Brad Binder, Miguel Oliveira, and Jorge Martin through the ranks and is a renowned mentor with undeniable success. Of course, rumours will already be spread about an early rise through the KTM ranks with the firm already almost certainly trying to secure a deal that will take him through Moto2 and into MotoGP. Acosta is known as the new Marc Marquez but he’s making Marquez’s stats look average. Marquez took his maiden win at the 33rd attempt, Acosta has three wins from four races – and also podiumed at his first attempt. It took Marquez six races. For further reference, Valentino Rossi clinched his first lightweight class win at the 11th attempt.
With a 51-point lead Acosta is going to be tough to beat, but anything can happen in Moto3. A fact Britain’s John McPhee is aware off having scored zero points so far in 2021 after a lap one highside in Jerez.