Pedro Acosta Admits: ‘Bagnaia Is Too Fast And Also A Gentleman On The Track’

Pedro Acosta, the dazzling young talent in MotoGP, showed once again why he’s a fan favorite — not just for his skills, but for his honesty. Following a spirited but ultimately one-sided battle at the Aragon Grand Prix, Acosta offered a respectful and heartfelt analysis of his duel with Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the reigning world champion.

“There was no way I could keep up with Pecco Bagnaia. He was 0.2s faster than me every lap,” said the 20-year-old KTM rider, acknowledging the clear performance gap.

Despite falling short, Acosta embraced the battle and expressed deep admiration for Bagnaia, calling him a “gentleman” and commending the Italian’s clean riding style.

A Show of Respect Amidst a Competitive Clash

In the world of MotoGP, fierce rivalries often dominate the headlines. But at MotorLand Aragon, it wasn’t tension or controversy that made waves — it was mutual respect.

Pedro Acosta gave fans an inside look at what it’s like to race wheel-to-wheel with a champion like Pecco Bagnaia. The young Spaniard didn’t sugarcoat his performance, instead offering a sincere self-assessment.

“No chance at all to go with Pecco Bagnaia,” Acosta confessed. “My objective? To try and stop him. I knew I couldn’t match his pace.”

This level of humility is rare, particularly from a rider tipped as the future of the sport.

Trying to Stop the Inevitable: A Tactical Gamble

Acosta explained how he attempted to play a defensive game in the early laps, hoping to slow Bagnaia’s progress — even if only for a short while.

At one point, Acosta revealed he came dangerously close to touching Pecco in Turn 1, a critical braking zone on the Aragon circuit.

“I was really close to touching him. I thought about trying something aggressive, but then I backed out. I knew I’d get overtaken anyway, so I decided to go wide and keep it clean.”

It was a moment that encapsulated Acosta’s racing maturity. Despite the desire to win, he understood the limits — and respected them.

The Unrelenting Pace of Pecco Bagnaia

The pace differential was clear from the outset. According to Acosta, Bagnaia was consistently 0.2 seconds faster per lap — a gap that, over a race distance, becomes monumental.

“It was a battle that sooner or later, I was going to lose,” admitted Acosta.

Bagnaia’s advantage wasn’t just top-end speed or corner exit; it was consistency — lap after lap of precision riding that broke Acosta’s defense over time.

Yet, instead of expressing frustration, Acosta took pride in having been able to hang with the world champion — even if only for a few laps.

Mutual Gamesmanship: Forcing Each Other Wide

Despite the defeat, Acosta cherished the opening laps of the race. Both riders engaged in tactical maneuvering — forcing each other wide in corners, exchanging tight lines, and demonstrating racecraft at its finest.

“I was trying to force him to go a little bit wide. He was forcing me in the last corner to go wide. It was super fun — I really enjoyed it.”

This kind of respectful gamesmanship is what makes MotoGP so captivating. Even when the outcome seems certain, the opening exchanges can feel like a game of high-speed chess — full of strategy, risk, and instinct.

‘Pecco Is Super… A Gentleman’: Acosta’s Praise for Bagnaia

In the post-race interview, Acosta reserved his most glowing praise for his Ducati rival.

“Pecco is super. He’s a gentleman. Very clean on track. I think it was a good battle.”

These words, coming from a rising star in the sport, mean a lot. Acosta didn’t just admire Bagnaia’s pace — he admired his character.

Clean racing, particularly at the razor-sharp edge of MotoGP, is becoming more valued as the sport grapples with an increase in aggressive moves and controversial clashes. In this environment, Bagnaia’s conduct stood out, and Acosta didn’t hesitate to spotlight it.

A Learning Opportunity for the Rookie Sensation

Though Acosta has already shown he’s capable of podiums and jaw-dropping overtakes, battles like this remind everyone that he’s still in the learning phase of his MotoGP career.

“I enjoyed the first five laps a lot. These are the moments that help you grow. Racing with the best, seeing where they’re stronger — it teaches you.”

This sentiment mirrors the path taken by great champions of the past, who used early defeats as fuel for long-term growth. If anything, this race against Bagnaia may become one of the most formative experiences of Acosta’s career.

The Next Chapter in a Budding Rivalry

While Bagnaia currently enjoys a technical and experience advantage, many within the paddock believe Pedro Acosta is the future face of MotoGP.

If this early battle at Aragon is any indication, we’re watching the beginning of a long rivalry. One that, with time, could become as iconic as Rossi vs Lorenzo or Marquez vs Dovizioso.

Both riders bring unique strengths:

• Bagnaia offers flawless precision, maturity, and an engineering mind

• Acosta brings raw talent, fiery racecraft, and youthful ambition

Their contrasts — and their shared respect — make for a compelling narrative.

KTM Still in the Fight

Although Acosta lost ground to Bagnaia at Aragon, it’s not all doom and gloom for Red Bull KTM. The bike showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly under braking and in the early stages of the race.

Acosta’s ability to keep pace for five laps indicates the bike isn’t far off — though there’s work to be done.

“We just need that last bit. That little step that makes the difference. We’re getting closer.”

And with Brad Binder also showing strong performances this season, KTM remains a threat, particularly at circuits that suit their aggressive setup.

Looking Ahead: Pedro Acosta’s Continued Rise

As the championship rolls on, Acosta remains laser-focused. He may be in awe of Bagnaia now — but he isn’t content to stay behind forever.

“I want to fight him again. But next time, I want to win.”

That quiet confidence, paired with his humility, is what separates future champions from fast riders. Acosta is not just fast — he’s self-aware, studious, and driven.

His next races will be watched closely. Will KTM give him the tools to fight up front? Will Acosta close the gap to Pecco?

Conclusion: A Battle Lost, But a War Just Beginning

Pedro Acosta may have come second-best at Aragon, but in many ways, he emerged a winner. His maturity in defeat, his respect for Pecco Bagnaia, and his excitement for the race all showcase a rider growing into greatness.

This wasn’t just a MotoGP duel. It was a passing of wisdom, from champion to challenger. And it was also a preview — a glimpse of a rivalry that could define the next era of MotoGP.

Pecco Bagnaia vs Pedro Acosta is already delivering drama, class, and high-speed brilliance.

Get ready, because this battle is just getting started.