Valencia Test, Acosta: “My debut? Better than I dreamed”

Despite being the only rookie next season, Pedro Acosta has (understandably) created a lot of expectation. The current Moto2 champion has won three titles in the last four years and is already receiving significant attention. Aside from a small crash in the final stages, his MotoGP test at Valencia was, all in all, very positive. Here, his impressions after making his debut aboard the team Tech 3 GASGAS machine.

Acosta: “Many aspects struck me, but I had fun”

"I hope it’s not long before I win the title”, starts a clearly satisfied Acosta. "Joking aside, I think I can become competitive quite quickly, because the step up to MotoGP is significant, but I was really struck by the amount of people who work on the bike as soon as I come into the garage. The bike is insane in every respect, from the braking to the electronics, and nothing can prepare you for the power, but I've received such a warm welcome that I immediately feel at home".

"I’ve had an amazing time on my first day as a MotoGP rider and although I’d normally be angry about finishing twentieth, this time I’m pleased with my debut. The team’s putting no pressure on me, but they’re aware of my potential and have already asked me for some initial impressions so that they can adapt the bike to my riding style as quickly as possible, although perhaps it’s them who should be giving me guidance”, jokes Pedro.

“The crash? My mistake, but that’s OK”

“It sounds crazy, but with the right proportions, the MotoGP is closer to the Moto3 than the Moto2, especially in the way you need to turn”, adds this year’s Moto2 champion. “The crash at the end of the day was my mistake, but that’s OK, that too is a learning experience, because now I know what not to do in these situations.”

Lastly, a comment about his race number: "I’ve chosen to race with 31 because it’s the number that, visually speaking, most closely resembles 37, which is my ‘real’ race number. Now that the season is over, I want to prepare physically, because I know that Valencia doesn’t require any particular effort, but it will already be different at Sepang. For now, I’ll enjoy the memories of today, which has been even better than I could have imagined.”