Pedro Acosta, MotoGP race, Poruguese MotoGP, 24 March 2024 // Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202403240384 // Usage for editorial use only //
Pedro Acosta has threatened Brad Binder’s position as KTM’s top rider, the rider has been warned.
MotoGP has been dominated by rookie racer Acosta’s impressive results, daring overtakes, and thrilling riding style this year.
The adolescent appears poised to advance from Tech3 GASGAS to the production team by 2025, and he may even surpass Binder as the company’s most valuable employee.
“Pedro hasn’t been doing those amazing things, like I’ve seen before from a young rider coming into MotoGP, because they have a teammate who can show them the set-up,” said broadcaster Simon Crafar in Jerez.
“Pedro is working by himself. It really is incredible.
Brad Binder needs to be under a lot of pressure to step up because of this. I listened to COTA’s debrief, and it seemed like the crew made a mistake on the first day because he had a broken toe. It was quite difficult to brake, he claimed.
“We can overlook his COTA, but only for a limited time. For this reason, both of those KTM teammates are under pressure.
In response, Jack Appleyard said, “Brad has been the major rider for a long time. the important person at KTM.
“Suddenly there is a power struggle. It’s a power struggle, if things continue, that’s he’s starting to lose.”
Crafar said: “How important is it for a manufacturer to find a young superstar?
“Young riders come in as a blank page and absorb everything. It is so refreshing.
“We need more of these riders, the new blood. They raise the level.”
Binder’s seat, at least, is not under threat because he is contracted to KTM beyond the start of next year.
His teammate in the factory team, Jack Miller, is not so fortunate.
“Jack? I still hope that we are yet to see the best of Jack this year,” Crafar said.
“It’s too late, I’d have liked to have seen it in the first or second race. I think it’s there. Let’s hope.
“Brad? He’s going to make a big impression.
After four rounds, Acosta is ranked fourth in the MotoGP standings.
Having achieved two podiums, he is now the third-youngest rider to secure a podium in the MotoGP.
Acosta leads Binder by 10 points and Miller by 47.
The talented young Spaniard is already well on his way to become one of KTM’s most valuable assets; it is anticipated that his contract with the company includes an option to extend their cooperation into at least 2025, at which point they would move him up to the factory squad.
