Acosta’s Austria Win Eases KTM Tension Before Motegi
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 1, 2026
After the Austria breakthrough
Pedro Acosta’s victory in Austria did more than end a long dry spell. It eased tension inside KTM and lifted a weight off his shoulders after he secured his first premier-class victory. Acosta said he and KTM could now focus on themselves. He said the result allowed them to concentrate on themselves as the paddock moved on to Motegi. The Austria result arrived before the next stop on the calendar, giving Acosta and KTM a fresh opportunity to build on the breakthrough.
Acosta targets podium
Acosta arrived at Motegi 72 points behind Jorge Martin, but he did not sound like a rider chasing another breakthrough at any cost. He said his target for the season was third place in the championship, and he kept that goal in view as he sized up the Japanese round. Acosta said he had no big expectations for Motegi because he still had unknowns to deal with, including the new asphalt, the tires and the bike setup. At Motegi, he said he should not think too much about another victory and hoped to stay close to the podium. Acosta said Motegi suits his riding style. He also said the bike is not fast enough for a 2026 MotoGP title challenge. For Acosta, the task was to keep the podium within reach and keep his season goal alive.
Bastianini weighs Motegi
Enea Bastianini faces Motegi with a different set of concerns, starting with the tire compound KTM plans to use. He said the team will stick with its usual tire compound at the Japanese round, and he does not feel comfortable on that tire. On Friday, he plans to test two very different bikes and see which direction gives him the best chance to settle into the narrow operating window he wants as the season winds down. Bastianini said he is not looking for radical changes on the bike. He expects limited adjustments rather than a drastic overhaul as he prepares for his final races with KTM. He pointed to the new track surface at Motegi as a major variable, and he said the changing weather conditions in Asia will also be a major factor for both riders and bikes. Bastianini wants to find the operating window he needs and make the most of Friday’s testing before his final races with the team.
