“I’m aware that KTM possesses strengths in their machine to challenge their rivals.”
KTM has garnered praise for the absence of weaknesses in their bike, as evidenced at the Portuguese MotoGP.
The manufacturer, aiming to be Ducati’s top competitors in 2024, showcased their threat at Portimao.
Pedro Acosta of Tech3 GASGAS secured a podium finish, leading the factory duo of Brad Binder and Jack Miller.
While the Ducati GP24 remains the premier bike in MotoGP (Pramac’s Jorge Martin claimed victory in Portimao ahead of factory Ducati rider Enea Bastianini), KTM is asserting its presence.
“I still believe that KTM is in a strong overall position,” reported broadcaster Simon Crafar from the paddock.
“There might be some circuits, like Qatar, where they face challenges. Perhaps Thailand, with regards to rear grip.
“But they’ve taken significant strides in many areas.
“Perhaps, by the time we reach Thailand, they will have addressed that minor weakness.”
“There didn’t seem to be many weaknesses at all.
“I’m aware that KTM possesses strengths in their machine to challenge their rivals.”
The spotlight this season has been on teenage rookie Acosta.
He became the third-youngest rookie to grace the premier class podium in Portimao, a race where he overtook the two factory KTM riders, as well as Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.
“Two years ago, he stood on the podium with Remy Gardner, who had bested him,” reminisced Crafar.
“It was an epic podium! In his rookie Moto2 season.
“But he was not pleased. People criticized him for not being happy with his first Moto2 podium.
“I attended his debrief, and he was saying all the right things that his team had instructed him to say, I believe.
“But he wasn’t satisfied. He was hungry. I loved it!
“Because he craves more. I smiled and thought, ‘this kid wants more.’
“He won’t settle until he’s victorious.
“It’s evident to everyone. He’s a born winner.”
Acosta may emerge as the trump card for KTM.
They reshuffled their rider lineup to accommodate him when he demanded a leap from Moto2, which he conquered last year, resulting in Pol Espargaro being moved from his race seat.
Acosta is already pushing for a factory KTM seat in 2025, a year when a rider carousel is expected.
However, Binder sits second in the MotoGP standings after two rounds, trailing Pramac’s Martin.
And Miller, whose future was heavily scrutinized, especially after a challenging 21st-place finish at the Qatar season opener, has regained confidence in his own capabilities following a strong Portimao showing.
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