Some had given him as a potential new KTM MotoGP team manager, but then, as we know, things turned out differently and it was the veteran Aki Ajo who was promoted to the demanding task. This notwithstanding, Dani Pedrosa's weight within the Austrian garage is certainly important, and compared to the other test riders he boasts a decision-making role that goes far beyond simply testing new components for the bike, as well as mentoring especially younger riders such as Pedro Acosta, a poleman at Motegi, but then the victim of a double crash between Sprint Race and GP.
Asked for Jorge Lorenzo Duralavita 's podcast just about the talented 20-year-old, the former Honda explained, "What does he lack? We have to help him a little with the bike, that's clear, but the changes made in the summer are giving him a hand and he has shown it in the last races. It has to be said that the level of the Ducatists is very high, so he just needs to grow some experience."
Although everyone expected great things from the outgoing Moto2 champion in his first season in the premier class, his competitiveness still surprised.
"He surprised me positively. I didn't know him much, but I'm really enjoying how more and more he is becoming a leader within the team. Next year he will be in the official team, and that will help him take a step forward," she pointed out of his willingness to take responsibility despite the fact that he has just arrived and is still very young.
Another aspect that is proving successful is Pedro's ability to communicate with the engineers and clearly explain what he needs. "What he has asked us is not to make so many changes to the bike and not to let him try new parts during the race weekends as for him each circuit represents something new and he has to learn speed, braking, gear changes and of course he has to go through Q2," the 39-year-old revealed.
Finally, making a broader point, the three-time world champion admitted that on the RC16 they were forced to change several aspects to hold up to the pace of the competition. "In light of the evolution of the others, from mid-championship we had to intervene with radical changes to make the results come back. We selected the parts that could be better and Acosta himself, with his way of riding, was able to take advantage of that."
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