Pedro Acosta (KTM): A missed opportunity, strong emotions at his farewell to the island

“I’m knocking on wood and hoping it rains tonight,” was the parting remark from KTM’s star rider after Friday’s MotoGP qualifying session. The reason for his wish: although Pedro Acosta had enough pace on the dry track to qualify directly for the second qualifying session, the young Spaniard reckoned that without a bit of moisture, it wouldn’t be enough for a top spot.

That assumption turned out to be neither right nor wrong. Acosta finished the island sprint in a respectable fifth place, and the 3.5-second gap was within reasonable limits. However, both Acosta and the RC16 were still a fair way off their peak form from the Austrian Grand Prix, even in Australia. So rain it was. And it came. A day later than forecast, but so relentless that Round 18 of the MotoGP had to be cancelled, as is well known.

This also meant the World Championship standings were frozen for another week. From a sporting perspective, this was not good news for Red Bull rider Acosta, who, thanks to his own performance and zero points, had taken fourth place in the World Championship from the Japanese rider. And whilst Ogura had struggled on the wet track in Australia on Saturday morning, Acosta had his sights set on a podium finish in the wet. The chance to consolidate fourth place in the World Championship was thus gone.

Statt einem MotoGP-Rennen gab es nur eine Parade für die Fans

Foto: KTM Factory Racing

The World Championship standings are very tight behind the top three. Acosta (4th) and Di Giannantonio (6th) are separated by just eleven points, with the Trackhouse rider on his highly competitive Aprilia sitting between them.

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Grateful for many great races at Phillip Island

But even the 22-year-old from Murcia had no choice but to bid farewell to this iconic racing venue without having found his racing pace. Acosta, who is often very pragmatic, was visibly emotional during the final lap of honour: “A sad end to the last Grand Prix at Phillip Island, but we should be grateful for all the great races this place has given us over the years. For me, the bond with the fans here is very special. I remember when I secured my first podium here after my injury in my first year in Moto2. And 2024, my first time on a MotoGP bike – that was just as intense as the bond I share with the enthusiastic people here – thank you so much for that!”

Team manager Aki Ajo was also less than pleased following the cancellation: “It’s a real shame that we can’t race here at Phillip Island, especially as so many people were waiting for us and the atmosphere was fantastic, but given the conditions, it’s understandable, of course. I think the weekend went quite well for us, and at least the results in the sprint were promising. Today’s riders’ parade was at least a small gesture we could offer to all the fans here, who are always so passionate,” said the Finn at a wet Phillip Island.