Acosta Takes Austria Sprint Podium, KTM Shows Progress

Pedro Acosta claimed an impressive third-place finish in the MotoGP Austria sprint race at the Red Bull Ring, showcasing his talent with KTM. Starting from seventh, Acosta battled to the podium, finishing behind Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez. SPORTRIK’s in-depth analysis reveals how Acosta capitalized on KTM’s improvements while facing challenges to match Ducati’s dominance.

Acosta acknowledged the challenge of competing with the Marquez brothers. “Marc and Alex had an edge over me. Leading the race to control the pace might have changed things,” he said. SPORTRIK’s analysis highlights that starting seventh on a braking-heavy circuit like Red Bull Ring hindered Acosta’s early progress. Nevertheless, he maintained a competitive pace, demonstrating his potential to challenge for second against Alex Marquez, though victory remained elusive due to Marc’s superior speed.

Acosta’s qualifying session was marred by a miscalculation. An extra lap left him stranded without fuel, forcing a sprint back to the pit. “I misjudged and had to run back,” he admitted. Despite this, Acosta remained positive. SPORTRIK notes that this experience was a valuable lesson, as Acosta quickly recovered to deliver a strong sprint performance. His resilience under pressure underscores his growing maturity in MotoGP.

Acosta praised KTM’s behind-the-scenes efforts. “KTM has worked hard and delivered upgrades we’ve long awaited,” he said. He highlighted the bike’s improved rideability, noting, “Now I can ride naturally, not like I’m piloting a rocket to the moon.” However, he admitted KTM lags behind Ducati, which boasts top riders like Marc, Alex, and Pecco Bagnaia. SPORTRIK’s analysis suggests KTM must further enhance bike stability to consistently compete in the top five.

Acosta’s third-place finish in the Austria 2025 sprint race highlights his potential and KTM’s progress, though Ducati remains a formidable benchmark. With growing confidence and a more competitive bike, Acosta is poised for stronger results in the main race. SPORTRIK will continue tracking Acosta and KTM’s journey this season. Stay updated with detailed analysis at SPORTRIK.