KTM’s Pedro Acosta has expressed doubt over the marque’s chances of winning MotoGP races at the start of 2026, noting that currently there are “two brands that are quite outstanding”.
The Austrian manufacturer comes into the 2026 season seeking an end to a victory drought dating back to the 2022 Thailand Grand Prix.
Entering his third year in the premier class, a frustrating 2025 on underperforming KTM machinery denied Pedro Acosta the chance to score his first MotoGP victory.
In January, following KTM’s season launch, Acosta was enthusiastic about the work the brand had been doing over the winter to improve the RC16.
But after four days of pre-season testing so far, KTM still firmly looks like the third-placed manufacturer on the grid.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Pedro Acosta, 2026 Buriram MotoGP Test (Gold&Goose).
© Gold & Goose
2026 KTM “better”, but not enough to win with yet
Reflecting on the first day of the Buriram test, in which he was 14th having elected against a time attack, Acosta was encouraged by a sprint simulation he carried out.
“Looks quite ok, much better than the one from last year,” he began.
“Also, comparing with other guys, it doesn’t look dramatic.
“We know that in this short distance we struggle a bit, but it was not crazy.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“I’m quite happy. Let’s see if tomorrow someone makes more simulations, and we can compare a bit more with the guys.
“The problem is I never made a time attack in the four days that we have been riding.
“For this, let’s try to make it tomorrow, see where we are.”
Acosta believes the bike has taken a step forward, but warned that Aprilia, and especially Ducati, remain the benchmark.
“Sprint simulation looks ok, like I say,” he added.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“Tomorrow we will do the [full] race simulation. For this, this will tell the truth.
“If it’s [the bike] much, much better, we should [be able to] fight for the win. It’s better.
“It’s clear there are two brands that are quite outstanding.
“Ducati still has its domination, looks like even more than last year, and Aprilia has started the season where it finished the last one. For this, still work to do. It will be a competitive year.”
Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter