In 2016, Red Bull made a bold move in Formula 1 by swapping Max Verstappen and Daniil Kvyat between their main team and Toro Rosso. This decision initially drew criticism but proved successful when Verstappen won his first race with the team. Now, in MotoGP, KTM faces a similar situation with rising star Pedro Acosta performing exceptionally well at the secondary GasGas Tech3 team.
KTM began the MotoGP season with a strong lineup, including Brad Binder and Jack Miller in the factory team and young talents Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta at Tech3. However, Acosta’s impressive performances have quickly elevated him to the status of a potential future MotoGP champion, drawing comparisons to legendary riders like Rossi and Marquez.
Acosta’s rapid rise has led to speculation about whether KTM will make a driver change, promoting him to the flagship team and potentially demoting Miller or Binder to GasGas. While regulations and technical considerations would allow for such a move, commercial commitments and personal relationships within the team may delay any decision until the end of the season.
One potential obstacle to an early promotion for Acosta is the impact it could have on Miller, who is nearing the end of his contract with KTM. Additionally, Herve Poncharal, the owner of Tech3, may be hesitant to disrupt his team’s lineup mid-season due to sponsor and commercial commitments.
Despite these considerations, the primary focus remains on performance, and KTM’s racing ethos prioritizes results over sentimentality. Red Bull’s sponsorship decisions in MotoGP illustrate this approach, with their involvement shifting based on performance rather than emotional attachments.
As MotoGP heads to Spain for the next race, there’s anticipation surrounding Acosta’s potential to secure his first premier class win. Whether he achieves this with GasGas or KTM, his remarkable talent is undeniable, sparking discussions about his future within the KTM family and the broader MotoGP landscape.
