Pedro Acosta (KTM): “I hope it rains as much as they say it will”

KTM rider Pedro Acosta was unable to make much of an impact against the strong Aprilia riders in Indonesia. He got the most out of his bike, ultimately finishing 6th and 5th. With five Grands Prix remaining, the Spaniard sits in 5th place, 97 points behind championship leader Jorge Martin (Aprilia).

At the Phillip Island Circuit in 2025, Acosta made it onto the podium in the MotoGP Sprint. In Sunday’s main race, he finished fifth despite problems with his rear tyre. What is possible this year? “Last year we often had problems with tyre wear; this year it’s looking better, but we won’t know for sure until we’ve tried it out. Phillip Island is a tricky track in that respect, so we’ll try to take it easy,” emphasised the 22-year-old. “In the Sprint last year we were on the podium; in the main race we were in the top five, but we were quite a long way off the winner on both occasions. Last year, Raul and Marco were very quick here, so I expect the other two Aprilia riders to be in the mix as well. Marc wasn’t here last year, but it’s one of his best tracks on the calendar; so it’s going to be a tough race, that’s for sure.”

The weather’s set to be fine on Friday, but the forecast for Saturday and Sunday isn’t looking so good. “I hope it ends up raining as much as they’re saying,” Acosta said with a smile. “It would help us; it would certainly make for a few more entertaining races. It would also be more interesting for the championship and the fans.”

The final dance at Phillip Island

The Australian Grand Prix is taking place at Phillip Island for the last time. “On the one hand, that’ll be lovely for everyone; on the other, it’ll be very sad,” said Acosta. “The atmosphere here is one of the best on the entire racing calendar – the fans are so close to us, and the circuit is also one of the most legendary in the championship, like Mugello, Jerez and a few others. It will be very sad that we won’t be coming here next year.”

Due to the military conflict in the Middle East, there had long been talk of cancelling the Qatar Grand Prix, which is due to take place from 6 to 8 November. The situation there remains uncertain; as things stand, the race weekend will go ahead in the Doha desert. Many riders may not be too keen on travelling there. “To be honest, I don’t know what will happen, but ultimately I ride for a brand, I ride for a championship, and if they make the decision to go, we should go,” Pedro Acosta clarified.

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: MotoGP’s new schedule proved highly controversial

In 2027, MotoGP will also enter the 850cc era with a new schedule. It was not so much the changes themselves as the way the decisions were reached that caused a stir. A prime example of: ‘Talking helps’.

Read More

TV Program

Today

Phillip Island: International Stream

MotoGP World Championship

22.10.2026 - 23:55