Pedro Acosta finished in second place at the Qatar Grand Prix, last weekend, on his debut in the Moto3 World Championship.

Pedro Acosta sprung a surprise with a second place finish in his first race in the Moto3 World Championship, at the Qatar Grand Prix. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider completed a one-two with teammate Jaume Masia. In an interview this Tuesday, the reigning Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup champion looks back on a momentous weekend and talks about his goals for his debut season.

What does fighting for the win in your first Grand Prix mean to you?

“The result that we got last Sunday was the consequence of all of our hard work. Since the November test we had been pushing to get ready for the first race, more than looking for a good lap time. Getting on the podium meant a lot to me but, more than the position, what stood out for me the most was how the race went and our performance.”

What was the first thing that went through your mind when you crossed the finish line?

“When I saw the reaction of the team, I was happy. All the work we had done all winter had paid off. However, I was left with a bittersweet feeling because I wasn’t able to win.”

Did you expect to be at the front in the first Grand Prix of the 2021 season?

“You don’t get what you want; you get what you work for. This past winter I spent many hours training on a motorcycle. We were ready for the race. However, we have to keep working and learning, as we have to improve some aspects, such as our lap time.”

“Red Bull KTM Ajo have not just given me a team; they have given me a family.”

How has your arrival to Red Bull KTM Ajo been?

“Red Bull KTM Ajo have not just given me a team; they have given me a family. I have a professional environment around me and a team that trusts me. That, without a doubt, is something very positive.”

Do you think that having Jaume Masia as a teammate will help you with your development?

“Yes. The relationship between us two is quite good and we help each other out. When we get to circuits that I don’t know, especially outside of Europe, his experience will help me to adapt more quickly.”

Despite your great performance in Qatar, this is your rookie year as a World Championship rider. What goals have you set for yourself?

“I’m facing this season without setting any goals for myself. Before the race, we had three days at the Official Test in Qatar that helped me to get to know the track well. This year, my objective is to enjoy myself and learn the circuits. I want to concentrate on improving things and correcting mistakes from one Grand Prix to the next.”

Has the result of the Qatar Grand Prix changed your initial expectations?

“Not at all. We worked hard for it. Maybe we didn’t expect to finish second, since nobody counts on being able to get on the podium at their first World Championship race. We did a great job with the team, and from the first day together we understood each other very well; that was the key. Even so, this result does not change our objectives.”

How are you preparing for the challenge of circuits that you don’t know?

“The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup helped me a lot in that aspect, because the first year I only knew Jerez and MotorLand Aragon. It is a very demanding competition, although it is clearly not as tough as the World Championship.
In addition, I have a great team behind me that are sure help me to adapt to the new circuits. Their experience, plus the good relationship that I have with Jaume, will give me more clarity about all those things that I don’t understand.”

How are you facing the third consecutive week of work in Qatar and what goals have you set for the Doha Grand Prix?

“These days of rest between races are being used to work with the team. This helped us to further strengthen our personal and working relationship.
I’m not setting goals for myself for this weekend. My only aim will be to enjoy every outing on the track and have a good time. When we enjoy what we do, that’s when things turn out best and I go faster.”