Pedro Acosta Recorded Second-Fastest Practice Time
The 22-year-old rider set a strong pace during Friday practice sessions at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Motorsports
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Pedro Acosta secured the second-fastest time during Friday practice at the Japanese Grand Prix. The rider is aiming to build on momentum following a previous grand prix victory in Austria.
Why it matters
The Motegi circuit appears well-suited to the performance characteristics of the KTM motorcycle. Acosta is now viewed as a strong contender for the pole position and the race victory this weekend.
Pedro Acosta, currently 22 years old, logged the second-fastest time in practice at Motegi. This performance follows his 4th place qualifying effort at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix.
The players
Pedro Acosta
He is a 22-year-old professional motorcycle racer who competes for the KTM team.
KTM
This is an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer that fields a factory racing team in the MotoGP championship.
The details
The KTM team established a base bike setup early in the weekend, while the rider adapted his approach to manage tire wear differently than in the 2025 season. These adjustments come as the Motegi track features a full surface repaving and new tire compounds for 2026.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: Pedro Acosta recorded the second-fastest practice time.
2024: Acosta scored his first MotoGP pole position.
2025: Acosta qualified fourth at the Japanese Grand Prix.
October 3-4, 2026: The remainder of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend takes place.
Season Trajectory
Acosta's performance this weekend tracks his growth since he achieved his first MotoGP pole position at the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix. His ability to adapt to the repaved Motegi circuit is critical for his standing in the current title race.
Acosta is now positioned as a primary threat for the pole position in upcoming qualifying sessions. Fans and fantasy players should note his strong pace on the KTM as a predictor for his performance in the main race.
The takeaway
Riders must adapt quickly to the updated surface and tire compounds introduced at the Motegi track this year. Mastering these technical changes early in the weekend is often a prerequisite for a podium finish.
Further reading
For more on the current season, visit Motorsports.
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