“Interesting” KTM updates have “removed many question marks” at Jerez MotoGP test

Pedro Acosta believes KTM has “removed many question marks” about his competitiveness in this week’s Jerez MotoGP test, even if he only rated it six out of 10.

The 21-year-old endured a difficult Spanish Grand Prix weekend, with Pedro Acosta 10th in the grand prix after suffering damage from an early collision.

But the Spaniard also failed to make it into Q2 after Friday’s dry running at Jerez, while his sprint was compromised by a crash after he’d swapped to his wet bike.

KTM brought a number of new items to the post-race Jerez test last Monday, most notably a new aerodynamic package.

Acosta believes the updates were “promising”, though it remains unclear when KTM will homologate the new aero.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

With a test following the Catalan Grand Prix next month, it may elect to wait to test it again there before introducing it for the remainder of the season.

“Quite happy,” he said when asked to sum up his test, even if he only offered a 6 out of 10 rating.

“Thankfully, we removed many question marks as to why I was not so competitive during the weekend.

“There’s still many around, but I’m quite happy to be fast again after a difficult weekend.

“It’s true that KTM brought some interesting things to try.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“Let’s see if we can get it for Le Mans, or if we decide to wait for the next test in Barcelona. But, it looks promising.”

On the new aero, Acosta noted that it helped improve the RC16’s top speed, as well as its braking performance.

“Really positive, because it’s touching our weakest points at the moment, which are top speed and also the stopping,” he explained.

“It looks like it’s working. Let’s see if when we decide to bring it to the track it’s as good.”

However, he did concede the mid-corner speed is something he is struggling with on the 2026 KTM.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Acosta has now slid to fourth in the standings and is 35 adrift of championship leader Marco Bezzecchi after the Spanish Grand Prix.

Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter