New Record Awaits Pedro Acosta in Jerez

Acosta is highly motivated to continue improving his competitiveness in MotoGP, after finishing on the podium in third place in the main race in Portimao, and finishing in second position in Austin. This achievement places him in fourth position in the standings, one level above the MotoGP defending champion, Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia.

Acosta's progress in his rookie season is bringing him closer to a new record, which is becoming the youngest rider to win a MotoGP race. He has a chance to break the current record held by Marc Marquez until the German Grand Prix at Sachsenring on July 7, 2024. Marquez achieved his first victory at the age of 20 years and 63 days after finishing first in Austin in his debut season in 2013. Marquez broke Freddie Spencer's record, who won for the first time in Spa-Francorchamps 1982 at the age of 20 years and 196 days.

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Acosta, who will turn 20 years old on May 25, is in positive momentum to set a new record. He adapted very quickly to the KTM RC16 motorbike and the very tight competitive atmosphere. In the first series in Qatar, he immediately showed the sensation that he was "not a rookie" because he was able to overtake the top racers, including Marc Marquez. He then performed solidly in the main race at Portimao and finished in third position which was his first podium in MotoGP.

Brilliant performance was then demonstrated by him in the American series. At that time, he led the race and was able to compete with the top racers. He won the position battle with Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Marc Marquez. Acosta enjoyed the competition, which was last felt by him in Moto3. This weekend in Jerez, Acosta wants to once again feel the thrill of competing with the top MotoGP racers.

"The first race at home (Spain) has arrived, and it comes at a very appropriate time. We have just achieved two consecutive podiums and I am looking forward to the race in Jerez," said Acosta.

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"I don't have any pressure, all I have is a desire to keep racing on the track in front of fans who may be the best in the world. Our goal this weekend remains the same as usual, to fully enjoy and try to continue the working dynamics," continued Acosta.

"This is my favorite circuit and, in addition, our testing team has practiced a lot here. So, I am confident that the motor will work well. We also know the fact that RC16 works well in Jerez by looking at the 2023 results, and that motivates me even more to be on the track and give it my all since Friday's first session. Let's wait and see what happens, see you there," said Acosta.

The performance of the KTM RC16 motorbike was very solid in Jerez during the 2023 season, placing both riders from the Austrian factory team consistently at the top. In qualifying, Jack Miller and Binder respectively achieved second and fourth starting positions. In the sprint, Binder finished ahead, with Miller in third position. They flanked Bagnaia in second place. The performance of the KTM riders continued into the main race, with Binder achieving second place on the podium and Miller third.

Last season's results confirmed that the potential of the KTM RC16 motor is very good in Jerez, and this season there is a chance it will happen again. Acosta, who got the same motor as KTM racers, will maximize the potential of the RC16 in Jerez which he likes the character of.

The combination of Acosta's performance and KTM motor will be crucial assets to compete at the top level. Winning is not impossible for Acosta this weekend. If it happens, the "wonder boy" will become the youngest racer to win a MotoGP race.

The MotoGP race series in Spain at Jerez will take place on April 26-28, 2024. The sprint race will roll out on Saturday starting at 8:00 PM WIB, covering 12 rounds. The main race will take place on Sunday starting at 7:00 PM WIB, covering 25 rounds.

1. Marc Marquez — 20 years, 63 days (COTA 2013)

2. Freddie Spencer — 20 years, 196 days (Spa-Francorchamps 1982)

3. Norifumi Abe — 20 years, 227 days (Suzuka 1996)

4. Dani Pedrosa — 20 years, 227 days (2006 Shanghai International Circuit)

5. Randy Mamola — 20 years, 239 days (Zolder 1980)

6. Jorge Lorenzo — 20 years, 345 days (Estoril 2008)

7. Mike Hailwood — 21 years, 75 days (Isle of Man 1961)

8. Fabio Quartararo — 21 years, 90 days (2020 Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit)

9. Valentino Rossi — 21 years, 144 days (Donington Park 2000)

10. Casey Stoner — 21 years, 145 days (Lusail Circuit 2007)

Data source: MotoGP