Acosta wins: KTM sporting director Pit Beirer “the happiest man in the world”
It’s done: Pedro Acosta redeemed himself and his long-term partner KTM with their first MotoGP Grand Prix victory. For Head of Racing Pit Beirer, this home victory means so much more – KTM is back!
This article is an automatically generated English version. The
Triumph in Österreich für Red Bull KTM Factory Racing mit Pedro Acosta
Foto: Gold and Goose
Triumph in Österreich für Red Bull KTM Factory Racing mit Pedro Acosta
© Gold and Goose
At the Red Bull Ring, the circle was complete: Pedro Acosta, the epitome of KTM’s youth development programme, finally capped off his eight-year journey to becoming a MotoGP winner at his home Grand Prix. From his debut in the 2019 Red Bull Rookies Cup and world championship titles in Moto3 and Moto2, he moved up to the premier class with the Austrians in 2024.
Right from his first outing in the Qatari desert, Acosta showed his mettle, fearlessly overtaking Marc Márquez – the rookie finished in 8th place. It was clear to everyone – here comes the next MotoGP winner. And so it proved, but not until September 2026, of all times, at the home race of the enthusiastic Innviertel fans.
16 podium finishes before his first victory
There were many reasons why it took so long, but the Upper Austrian team’s severe corporate crisis coincided with the rise of the MotoGP sensation Acosta. The highly motivated southern Spaniard was determined to deliver, making it onto the podium 16 times, but never quite reaching the top step at a Grand Prix.
At the 2026 season opener, everything seemed set for success, as the rider won the sprint in Thailand. Yet in the Grand Prix, he could only manage second place once again – behind the now stronger Aprilia ridden by Marco Bezzecchi. Over a dozen further MotoGP events saw the team, managed by Aki Ajo, attempt to reach the next level with Acosta and Binder – without success.
By the time it had long been clear that KTM and Pedro Acosta would part ways at the end of 2026, the company – and, consequently, the racing programme – had got back on a firm footing. And yet the next setback followed. Engine problems set the entire project back and presented Pit Beirer’s team with their next huge challenge. It was only once this crisis had been overcome – as reported by SPEEDWEEK.com – that progress was made on the track again. Second place at Aragon, third at Misano.
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MotoGP-Sieger Pedro Acosta
Foto: Gold and Goose
MotoGP-Sieger Pedro Acosta
© Gold and Goose
The rest is MotoGP history. Pedro Acosta was in a league of his own at the Red Bull Ring, but let himself down in the sprint. On Sunday, during their 57th MotoGP weekend together, everything finally came together: a victory-capable KTM RC16 and a Pedro Acosta who was superior in his riding and highly focused.
A victory for the whole of KTM
Pit Beirer was completely overwhelmed after the victory, yet still found the words that summed it all up: “It’s an indescribable emotion that goes back a very long way. We’re talking about the really tough times for KTM at the end of 2024 and also in 2025. Even then, we never thought of giving up – nobody hesitated and we kept fighting. Even when the next problem arose – it was a nightmare and once again we all had to fight together. But everyone saw it through. Just a few weeks ago, we weren’t even dreaming of a victory. Then came second place, then another podium finish, and now victory on home soil.”
The Head of Racing, addressing his celebrating team: “Pedro’s victory means so much more – KTM is back from the crisis – this is a gift for the whole company. I’m the happiest man in the world right now – and you can tell that everyone in the team feels the same.”
And on his victorious rider: “What Pedro achieved today was indescribable. The way he bounced back from Saturday’s situation shows just what calibre he is. Thank you, Pedro! But thank you also to the whole team – to everyone at KTM!”
Willkommen zum Rennen am Red Bull Ring
Foto: Gold & Goose
Marco Bezzecchi
Foto: Gold & Goose
Pedro Acosta
Foto: Gold & Goose
Fans
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Pecco Bagnaia und Marc Márquez
Foto: Gold & Goose
Jorge Martin
Foto: Gold & Goose
Brad Binder
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Marc Márquez
Foto: Gold & Goose
Marco Bezzecchi
Foto: Gold & Goose
Ai Ogura
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Fermin Aldeguer
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Marco Bezzecchi und Marc Márquez
Foto: Gold & Goose
Pedro Acosta
Foto: Gold & Goose
Johann Zarco
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Jorge Martin
Foto: Gold & Goose
Enea Bastianini
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Pedro Acosta gewinnt das Rennen
Foto: Gold & Goose
Pedro Acosta und Team
Foto: Gold & Goose
Martin, Acosta, Bezzecchi
Foto: Gold & Goose
Sieger Pedro Acosta
Foto: Gold & Goose
Sieger Pedro Acosta
Foto: Gold & Goose
Willkommen zum Rennen am Red Bull Ring
© Gold & Goose
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