From Murcia with fury: "There's no secret, just lots of trails and sunshine"

Murcia is a small region in Spain, wedged between Andalusia and Valencia. In all, just over 1.5 million people live there and, less than two weeks ago, it became the center of motorcycling. Fermin Aldeguer and Pedro Acosta are both from that area. They're also the two youngest MotoGP riders... and the future. They've known each other (and battled against each other) practically since they were born. About ten days ago, they shared the podium at Mandalika. Today, they shared the press conference stage at Phillip Island. In the photo below, they were children with the same dreams.

"It's super cool to see that photo," Pedro said, smiling, "It's cool that two guys from Murcia made it this far,. It's hard to think they could do it starting from a small region. It was probably a shock for the locals to see me on the MotoGP podium first and then Fermin win. It's great for the whole region and for kids who want to be like us. Now they have solid heroes who say it's possible to succeed. Carpe and Quiles are also coming."

For Aldeguer, being on the podium with his rival is also a moment to remember. But this doesn't mean that their rivalry has died down. "It's nice because, at the end of the day, we trained so much together in the past and achieved our dream together. It's hard to have friends in the paddock. We're rivals, but we don't have problems. We simply both compete for the same goal."

In the past, Catalonia had been the largest hotbed of talent for Spanish motorcycling. Now, the geography seems to have changed. It makes you wonder what's so special about Murcia.

"I don't think there's anything special, but there's everything you need," Acosta replied.  "At an hour from home, I have four kart tracks, three motocross tracks, and one flat track. Then, it's always hot. These days, it was twenty-four degrees. In that area, the level of the riders is high, and you can grow when you train with those who are better than you. It's not a surprise that more riders are coming, also because there are so many people helping them reach the top."

Fermin couldn't agree more. "We have great weather, lots of tracks close by, even outside the region, and this facilitates things for families, as well. You don't have to waste much time taking kids to training. It's a great school for riders, and we've all grown together."

Now the two of them are the "class leaders", the ones with their eyes on the goal. Aldeguer is the second youngest rider in history to have won a MotoGP race. Obviously, his expectations are now growning.

"No rookie since Marc Marquez has won two races in a row? You're not putting pressure on me," the Gresini rider said, laughing. "Let's hope so. I'm coming here with extra motivation after winning the last race, and Phillip Island is my favorite track. I got three poles in a row here and my last Moto2 win, but I'm also remaining very calm. We'll have to be careful, take it step by step, start well. My goal is to improve my Fridays."

And he could even win the Rookie of the Year title as early as this weekend.

"It was one of my goals at the beginning of the year, even though I didn't get off to the best start, unlike Ogura," Fermin recalled.  "Then I made up all the points. Unfortunately, Ai was also  injured, and now I'm up in front. I can end this little championship here but, after the victory, I have other goals."

Like Acosta, who's been chasing a GP victory for almost two years. The KTM isn't yet at the level of the Ducati, but you can't say he isn't trying.

"We have to maintain the consistency of the last GPs and not make mistakes," he stated as his first goal. "This isn't the best track for me, but KTM seems to have improved on this type of track. Fingers crossed. In 2023, Binder had fought for the win and, last year, for the podium. We'll see how it goes when I get on the bike, but I have no expectations."