KTM’s Pedro Acosta identified that there are at present “two very excellent manufacturers” and expressed doubts in regards to the model’s possibilities of profitable a MotoGP race in early 2026.
The Austrian producer enters the 2026 season seeking to finish its win drought because the 2022 Thai Grand Prix.
Pedro Acosta, in his third 12 months within the premier class, missed out on his first MotoGP win in 2025 as a result of a disappointing expertise with an underperforming KTM machine.
In January, after the beginning of KTM’s season, Acosta was enthusiastic in regards to the work the model had executed to enhance the RC16 over the winter.
Nevertheless, after 4 days of pre-season testing up to now, KTM nonetheless seems to be the third producer on the grid.
Pedro Acosta, 2026 Buriram MotoGP Take a look at (Gold & Goose).
© Gold & Goose
2026 KTM “obtained higher” however nonetheless not ok to win
Trying again on the primary day of the Buriram check, the place he completed 14th within the time assault, Acosta was inspired by the dash simulation he had carried out.
“It is wanting fairly good. A lot better than final 12 months’s,” he started.
“Additionally, in comparison with different gamers, it doesn’t look that dramatic.
“I do know it’s going to be a little bit of a battle over this quick distance, nevertheless it wasn’t too loopy.
“I am very completely happy. Let’s have a look at if somebody can do some extra simulations tomorrow so we will evaluate somewhat extra with them.”
“The issue is that I have not executed a time assault within the final 4 days.
“Because of this, let’s strive to achieve success tomorrow. Let’s have a look at the place we’re.”
Acosta believes the bikes have taken a step ahead, however cautioned that Aprilia and particularly Ducati are nonetheless the benchmark.
“Like I say, the dash simulation seems nice,” he added.
“Tomorrow we’ll do a (full) race simulation and it will inform the reality.
“If[the bike]is significantly better, we must always be capable of combat for the win. That is higher.”
“It’s clear there are two superb manufacturers.
“Ducati nonetheless maintains its dominance and appears even higher than final 12 months. And Aprilia began the season the place it ended final season, so there’s nonetheless work to do. This will likely be a 12 months of competitors.”
