Momentum Builds: Acosta’s Stellar Start Sets the Tone for 2026

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is enjoying his best start to any season in the premier class following his latest podium at the USA GP. The #37 remains the top KTM rider in the MotoGP World Championship as he enters his third season in the top flight. ‘The Shark’ has truly arrived, and with momentum building, we look at the key facts and figures of Acosta’s campaign so far!

Acosta entered the MotoGP class in 2024, beginning what would be an unforgettable rookie season. The talented Murcian made headlines, clinching his maiden podium in Portugal before backing up his pace in Austin. Leaving COTA, rookie Acosta sat P4 in the standings, scoring an impressive 54 points from the first three rounds – sitting 26 points adrift from the Championship leader.

Expectation grew in 2025 after his heroic showing the previous year. Acosta was unable to replicate his success in the opening three rounds, picking up just 16 points, 38 points less than in his debut year. Eventually, Acosta finished the season P4 in the Championship with some costly errors, including a crash from the top five in Germany.

New mentality, same goals in 2026

However, the tide has truly turned this year, with Acosta kicking off 2026 in style following a dramatic Saturday Sprint win and a solid second-place finish on Sunday in Thailand. It proved to be a historic result as he became the first KTM rider ever to lead the MotoGP World Championship!

After an incredible ride in Thailand, Acosta discussed his new mentality and approach to racing in the premier class: “I’m making fewer mistakes than two years ago, and even last year. At the beginning of the year, when the situation wasn’t completely in control, I was always making mistakes, crashing, running wide or whatever.

“It wasn’t maybe the correct way to build confidence, as now I feel like I’m in a chill mode, because even when bad moments happen, I use my brain more. So this could be the biggest difference.”

The KTM star took a further 10 points in Brazil before a groundbreaking turnaround at the USA GP, where Acosta transformed his P8 finish in the Sprint to a Grand Prix podium on Sunday.

Expanding further at the pre-event Press Conference in Brazil, Acosta gave further credit to his new mentality and the hard-working members at KTM: “Last year, in the first part of the season, I was hungry and quite negative, let’s say. It’s clear we are able to keep life in the tyre during the race, which is the first step to becoming competitive.

“The bike is becoming easier; the team are working faster, and from Mattighofen, they have pushed and worked flat out all winter. The general situation of the brand is better, so I think it’s a combination of things.”

Another exciting chapter awaits Acosta and KTM as MotoGP returns to Europe for Round 4 of the season at the Spanish GP. Of course, it’s time to head to Jerez, a venue which holds fond memories for Acosta – thanks to a Sprint podium in 2024. Momentum is building, and signs are pointing in the right direction… In Jerez, Acosta continues his search for Sunday glory.

credit: MotoGP

photos from MotoGP and Pedro Acosta’s facebook page