The gloves are off! As the dust settles on the Buriram MotoGP test, one stark truth emerges: the Italian manufacturers, Ducati and Aprilia, are not just fast – they're dominant. Even KTM's rising star, Pedro Acosta, couldn't hide his concern, labeling their rivals' long-run pace as "scary."
Key Takeaways from Buriram:
- Ducati and Aprilia showcased alarming long-run pace.
- Pedro Acosta (KTM) finished P6 but observed a significant gap in race simulations.
- KTM made strides in tyre management, a crucial improvement from last season.
- Acosta completed pre-season testing without a single crash, building confidence.
Italian Supremacy Shines in Buriram
The final pre-season MotoGP testing in Thailand painted a clear picture of the championship landscape. Italian machines from Aprilia and Ducati monopolized the top five positions, leaving competitors scrambling. Pedro Acosta, the fastest rider on a non-Italian bike, managed P6, just 0.353s off the blistering pace set by the leaders.
However, the real eye-opener came during the crucial race simulations. While Acosta's single-lap speed was commendable, his KTM RC16 struggled to consistently dip below the 1m30s barrier over his 13-lap run, a benchmark easily met by the Italian bikes. This stark difference in sustained performance is where Acosta's "scary" assessment truly resonates.
Acosta Finds Glimmers Amidst the Gap
Taming the Tyres: A KTM Breakthrough
Despite the formidable challenge, Acosta remains optimistic about KTM's underlying progress. He noted significant improvements in tyre longevity, a critical aspect that often plagued the RC16 last season. Finishing a 25-lap simulation with "tyres still alive" is a major step forward, offering better prospects for full-distance races.
"We have to be realistic that this is not our best track," Acosta conceded, acknowledging the circuit's characteristics while still pushing for a top-five target in the opening races. This pragmatism highlights his maturity and understanding of the task ahead for KTM.
Riding Clean: A Confidence Boost for the Rookie
Perhaps one of the most encouraging takeaways for Pedro Acosta was completing his entire pre-season testing program without a single crash. This disciplined approach, even while consciously holding back a little during time attacks to preserve the bike for race simulations, speaks volumes about his focus.
This crash-free record not only builds his confidence but also provides invaluable data for KTM, ensuring continuous development without costly setbacks. The observation that his "bike feels more natural, no movements" underscores a more refined machine and a rider increasingly in sync with it.
The Road Ahead for KTM
While KTM clearly faces an uphill battle against the current might of Ducati and Aprilia, the Buriram test wasn't without positives for Pedro Acosta and the Austrian factory. The improvements in tyre management and Acosta's consistent, clean riding offer a solid foundation.
The immediate challenge now lies in bridging that "scary" long-run pace gap. The season opener will be the true test of whether KTM can elevate itself from the perceived "distant third manufacturer" to a consistent threat at the sharp end of the MotoGP grid.
