Pedro Acosta, the young star of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, has made a triumphant return to the MotoGP circuit after successfully undergoing surgery for arm pump in his right forearm. The 20-year-old Spaniard, who had been experiencing discomfort during recent Grand Prix events, received clearance to travel to Le Mans for the French Grand Prix following a successful operation.
Post-surgery medical checks conducted in Barcelona showed no complications, and the team announced his arrival at the venue via their official social media channels. However, Acosta must pass a final medical check at the local circuit before he can participate in the race.
In the practice sessions for the French GP, Acosta showcased his resilience and skill by finishing 7th, consistently placing within the top 10 throughout the day. This performance marked a significant milestone as it was just a week and a half after his surgery, making him the top KTM rider on the day.
"I feel really good. Coming from a tough situation with my arm, everything feels amazing right now," Acosta expressed, acknowledging that while he is not yet at 100%, he is feeling much better. He did note that there are still moments of peak pain but overall, he is managing well.
When asked if he believed the surgery was the right decision, Acosta confidently replied, "I’ve felt that way since waking up from the operation, so it was the right choice." His immediate goal was to advance to the second qualifying round (Q2), which he successfully achieved despite not being able to put together a perfect lap. "That was my target today. I couldn’t quite piece together every sector well enough, and I nearly collided with Maverick Viñales when I was running fast, but I made it to Q2, so I can’t ask for more than that," he stated.
Acosta's impressive performance continued in the free practice for the French Grand Prix, where he finished 2nd, just 0.453 seconds behind the legendary Marc Marquez. His ability to bounce back from surgery and compete at such a high level has drawn attention and admiration from fans and competitors alike.
Reflecting on his recovery process, Acosta shared, "It’s very positive to end the day with this feeling. I’m not at 100%, but thanks to the stitches and bruising, it’s not too painful. Honestly, I’m very happy." He also discussed the new settings tested during the practice, which required him to ride more cautiously but ultimately helped him improve his understanding of the bike.
"These new features allow me to operate more smoothly and gain a deeper understanding of the motorcycle. I don’t have everything figured out yet, but I understand the basics," he explained.
Acosta expressed great respect for Maverick Viñales, noting, "Maverick is fluid, has very good handling, and has won with three different brands. We need to learn from him. That’s what we are trying to do." Despite the rumors swirling around his future and potential high-profile offers, Acosta remains focused and loyal to his manager, Albert Varela. "I wouldn’t end my career under anyone else’s management," he asserted.
As he prepares for the race, Acosta is aware of the risks involved, especially with the recent surgery. "I have to be careful not to reopen the wounds. That would be the worst-case scenario. I’m not willing to take risks for another week," he said, demonstrating his maturity and strategic thinking.
With 33 points and currently sitting 11th overall in the standings, Acosta recognizes that he is still in the learning phase of his career. However, he is determined to leverage his natural talent to make a significant impact, even while recovering. "My goal for tomorrow is clear: to secure a solid starting position in Q2 and aim for a top 6 finish in the race," he declared.
As the excitement builds for the French Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Acosta as he looks to prove that his surgery was a turning point in his young career. His performance in Le Mans could set the tone for the rest of the season, showcasing not only his resilience but also the bright future that lies ahead for this rising star of MotoGP.
