LORENZO TIPS ACOSTA FOR MORE WINS ON KTM’S IMPROVED BIKE

Pedro Acosta’s first MotoGP Grand Prix victory, earned with a commanding ride at the Red Bull Ring, has Jorge Lorenzo predicting more wins could follow quickly. The KTM rider’s only major mistake in Austria came in Saturday’s Sprint, when he crashed while leading. On Sunday, he converted a strong weekend into a breakthrough victory after several near-misses.

Speaking on the Duralavita podcast after the Austrian Grand Prix, Lorenzo pointed to the next three rounds as especially promising for Acosta. Motegi, Mandalika and Sepang have all suited the Spaniard, and Lorenzo believes KTM’s improved machinery could help him make the most of those opportunities.

“The next three are right up Pedro’s street,” Lorenzo said. He recalled that Acosta was on course for a podium at Motegi last year before crashing, and praised his performances at Mandalika. At Sepang, Lorenzo said, “everyone had him as the favourite last year,” adding that he had expected Acosta to win before the rider ultimately finished second.

With those circuits ahead and his first victory secured, Lorenzo urged fans to watch Acosta closely. “And now that he’s got a more powerful engine, keep an eye on Pedro – he might just win a few races,” he said.

Acosta’s results at the three venues underline the prediction: he missed out at Motegi after his crash, then took second place at both the Indonesian and Malaysian Grands Prix. Lorenzo’s confidence also reflects KTM’s apparent progress, with the bike now looking more capable of challenging for victories.

There are seven rounds remaining in the 2026 season, and Acosta remains in the championship picture, though he is 72 points behind leader Jorge Martin. If his Austrian form carries over, further wins could bring him closer to the title fight as the season reaches its closing stages.