MotoGP Gossip: Pedro Acosta a 'luxury problem that we have' – Pit Beirer
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Leading us off in this week’s MotoGP gossip column is news of Pedro Acosta, who continues to impress after topping the Official Portimao Moto2 test as a rookie. The current Moto3 world champion set a blistering time of 1:41.552s which was -0.154s quicker than team-mate Augusto Fernandez, while nine tenths underneath Remy Gardner’ 2021 lap record. Even before his impressive showing at the Algarve circuit, rumours surrounding Acosta and a move to MotoGP as early as 2023 had begun circulating despite the 2022 season not having turned a competitive wheel. KTM are currently in one of the strongest positions from a rider line-up perspective – Brad Binder is locked into the factory team until 2024, Miguel Oliveira is contracted to the Red Bull KTM team until the end of this season, while Tech 3 KTM have last season’s Moto2 champion Gardner and runner-up Raul Fernandez within their ranks. Related Masia fully focused on Qatar; ‘We hope to achieve a positive result’ Fermin Aldeguer claims fourth during Portimao Moto2 test, future MotoGP star?With that in mind, Oliveira could be the odd man out due to his contract situation should KTM want to elevate Acosta next year, however, other manufacturers such as Honda are already being touted as very interested in prying the 17 year-old away from the Austrian brand. Yamaha have already failed to achieve that feat as they attempted to sign Fernandez last season, and although it’s unlikely KTM will give Acosta up, KTM Motorsport Director, Pit Beirer, has confirmed he only wants the Spaniard to stay as long as the rider is happy. Related Canet: ‘Race pace the most important thing’ in Moto2, finishes Portimao test P3 Acosta smashes Moto2 Portimao lap record, leads Red Bull KTM Ajo 1-2On the subject of other teams being interested in Acosta, Beirer told SPEEDWEEK.com: “That’s the luxury problem we have. We do so much youth work that we develop good riders. It’s a compliment that other manufacturers want these riders too.”Most of the guys, all of our four MotoGP guys this season, have already signed at least one other contract with us, we didn’t force them to. You did that. It’s the same with Pedro. He’s so young and he’s super talented, of course others want him.”I don’t know exactly how long his contract is, I think he has a contract for a few years. But I don’t want him to stay because of that. I want him to stay because he sees us as a good partner.” [Speedweek.com]”4Fresh off a new contract extension with Ducati, Francesco Bagnaia has claimed every team attempts to copy aero development specialists Ducati, but that no manufacturer has their charm. [gpone.com] Finally, former WorldSSP300 champion and the first ever woman to win an FIM world championship, Ana Carrasco could have five-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo in her corner for the 2022 Moto3 campaign. Carrasco, who presented the BOE SKX Racing Team colours alongside team-mate David Munoz earlier this week, was joined on stage by Lorenzo before being asked about the potential of the Spaniard helping the team. “5As reported by Marca.com, Carrasco said: “We had little time to talk because there were many people and many commitments. It was a luxury that he came to the presentation. It gives a lot of support that a rider who has won a lot like him supports the team. I hope that in some way he can help us throughout the season.” [Marca.com]
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