Pedro Acosta has identified cornering performance as KTM’s main limitation as the team looks to challenge leading MotoGP manufacturers Aprilia and Ducati.
The Austrian squad has made clear progress in the 2026 season, particularly in tyre management, an area that previously held them back. Those gains have helped KTM rise to second place in the teams’ standings. However, Acosta believes the bike still lacks the turning ability needed to compete consistently at the front.
He pointed to Aprilia as the benchmark in this area, noting their strong stability and precision through corners. According to Acosta, riders like Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin have been able to carry speed and remain consistent, especially during direction changes, which makes it difficult for others to keep pace.
Despite his strong start to the season, the rookie is looking beyond his own results. Acosta currently sits third in the championship with two podium finishes and a sprint victory, but he wants KTM to develop a more balanced package that benefits all riders. He highlighted Enea Bastianini’s recent improvement in Austin as a positive step and stressed the importance of finding a base setup that works across the entire team.
The focus now shifts to the European leg of the calendar, beginning with Jerez. Acosta expects these races to provide a clearer picture of KTM’s true competitiveness, as the circuits present more traditional layouts compared to the opening rounds.
While KTM has shown promise so far, Acosta believes their ability to close the gap to Aprilia and Ducati will depend on solving their issues in the corners.
