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The weekend in Japan had raised the bar of expectations placed on Pedro Acosta, who seemed to have left behind the moment of bewilderment experienced in the middle of the season by returning to being very competitive riding his KTM. A dream shattered in the gravel in both tests, in the Sprint and the long race, a sign perhaps of a talent that is still immature and evolving in the premier class.
Encouraging signs in any case also for a KTM that has struggled to shine this season, despite confirming itself as the main rival in the manufacturers' standings, and having precisely in the Spanish rookie one of its best pawns on the chessboard of the current MotoGP . Pedro Acosta therefore arrives at Phillip Island with renewed confidence, aware of his potential and supported by a manufacturer, KTM, that continues to invest and seek that direction needed to counter the current dominance of Ducati.
"Our level in Japan was like a dream," Acosta began, "but we have to take what's positive from that weekend. It was definitely one of my most competitive weekends of the season, so we have to try to continue in that direction. In the last few races we have made small steps forward. Phillip Island is one of my favorite circuits, and the crowd atmosphere is great as well."
At the moment you seem to have some margin over your brandmates, what do you think might be KTM's strengths here in Australia?
"Phillip Island is a completely different circuit from Motegi, we are improving details, in the last few races we have all tried different things, Jack was made to try a new aerodynamics while I tested other details like the forks. As I said we have made small steps in the right direction, I think during the season we have tried different directions but maybe there is only one way to ride this KTM, and now we are finding it, the only one to be able to be fast."
The Ducatis have been extremely competitive all season, and it seemed like you were alone fighting them. Do you think they are unbeatable at the moment? What are the expectations here at Phillip Island?
"After Japan I feel like saying that they are neither unbeatable nor untouchable, although they are clearly at a very high level and always seem to be one step ahead. We are not that far away, so we have to keep believing and keep fighting. They're bringing a lot of new things from Mattighofen, but it's not easy to make something new work right away in MotoGP. In the last few races we are doing it and we are continuing to work. We have to be open-minded and continue in this direction by dialoguing with the parent company."
With four races to go in the championship, between Martin and Bagnaia who would you bet on for the title?
"I think Jorge at the moment has the advantage. On paper maybe he seems to have gotten less results than Pecco, but in terms of consistency he has improved a lot compared to last year. That's why I think he has a clear advantage right now, which is also shown by the ten-point gap to Bagnaia."
Do you think the manufacturer will influence the fight?
"That's the question everyone is asking, I think it's normal to ask. There is a possibility that the title will go to another manufacturer next year."
Expectations for this weekend?
"It's my first weekend here with MotoGP, and the unknowns are many. From the new asphalt, to the weather, to the tire options we will have. I can't tell you yet in what conditions we'll get there, we'll know more after the first free practice session. What I do know is that it's five or six GPs that we've found a good consistency again. It's true, there have been many crashes in these last races but we are going in the right direction, the pace is good. Mistakes I think are necessary to understand our level well, see where we are and find ways to stay there."
