Acosta's time in Austria? - Maybe, just maybe
Despite Marc Marquez dominating the last two Grands Prix, in Aragon and San Marino, many have commented that the most impressive rider in both races was KTM's Pedro Acosta. Once again outperforming the bike with his remarkable aggressive riding style putting him almost in reach of the winner Marquez.
The Austrian circuit, nestled in the Styrian mountains, is KTM's and sponsor RedBull's home track. They even own the track itself and have thousands of miles testing around this tight, twisty layout.
No-one would have have predicted we would be 2 and 1/2 seasons into Acosta's MotoGP career a GP victory had still eluded the young Spaniard. Obviously this doesn't include the Sprint win in Thailand earlier this year. For Pedro, this will be little consolation. Both he, and his employer for the last 3 years, KTM, would love see him claim his maiden GP win on his orange machine before he leaves for Ducati next year.
After Pedro confidently recently told the factory, 'Give me the bike and I'll give you a victory', KTM have thrown the kitchen sink at his bike for this race. A completely new aero package on view in FP1 on Friday.
Pedro responded by finishing in first place in the first session with a new lap record.
Confirming KTM's efforts were in the right direction, Tech3 KTM's stand in rider, Pol Espargaro, finished, perhaps more impressively, in second place.
Early days certainly. Probably his biggest competitors, Martin and Marquez lurking ominously in 3rd and 4th. Bezzechi in 6th.
Troubled Ducati rider, Pecco Bagnaia finished the session in 18th place which probably means this will not be the 'turn around' weekend the Italian desperately needs.
The temperature over the weekend in Austria is set to increase so the tyre performance will certainly be affected and affect the bikes differently.
But Pedro will still be focused and trying hard. Tomorrows qualifying will show how fast he and his KTM really can be this weekend.
As I said. Maybe, just maybe.
