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Why Pedro Acosta is shaping up to be the rookie MotoGP needs
It is a cold and frosty Saturday in December, and being in Liverpool early in the morning is not particularly exciting. However, the FIM Awards have brought numerous world champions to the city following the conclusion of the 2023 MotoGP season. Pedro Acosta, the reigning Moto2 world champion, is also present, as he prepares to make his MotoGP debut with the Tech3 GasGas team next season. Just a few days ago, Acosta impressed during the Valencia test, completing 70 laps on the RC16 and finishing only 1.2 seconds behind the best pace. Although he hasn’t fully embraced the MotoGP rider status yet, Acosta is content with how the team has supported him. Having won his first grand prix from pitlane in 2021 and securing the Moto3 championship that year, Acosta has become highly sought after in the paddock. KTM, the Pierer Mobility Group, has invested heavily in his development, and he is seen as an “old-school” rider due to his racing approach. Acosta’s new team boss, Herve Poncharal, commends him for his smartness and focus on his goal, prioritizing conserving his energy.