“Unbelievable” how deep Pedro Acosta digs, “only here for one thing”

Pedro Acosta’s KTM crew chief, Paul Trevathan, has praised the Spaniard’s ability to 'dig deep, work and focus' after a head-turning start to the 2026 MotoGP season.

Acosta left the Thai MotoGP opener leading the world championship courtesy of a debut Sprint victory followed by second place in the grand prix.

The young Spaniard took the fight to Marc Marquez in the Sprint, was forced wide when the reigning champion retaliated, but won after the Ducati rider’s penalty.

Sunday's grand prix saw Acosta get the better of Marquez and Raul Fernandez before settling for a safe second behind the searing pace of Marco Bezzecchi.

Acosta's one-two results have also put KTM on top of the championship standings for the first time.

“Pedro's here for only one thing, and that's to give everything he has and to try to be a world champion,” Trevathan told TNT Sports.

“It's unbelievable how deep he can dig, unbelievable how focused he can stay, and the work he's put in from last year to this year is phenomenal.”

Despite finishing fourth in the 2025 standings, Acosta completed his second MotoGP season without a race win.

Testing over the winter suggested he would again be a regular podium contender, but Buriram exceeded expectations.

Trevathan said Acosta’s growth as a rider and person has been crucial.

“He’s still young, maturing every year as a man, and he's trying to find out all those situations and understand what being a MotoGP rider is,” he said.

“That was a big thing last year. Trying to put the race craft together, trying to put everything together. He had the speed; this was clear from day one, but all the boys have speed.

“I think many people forget how fast all these riders are, how many champions sit on the grid.”

KTM’s winter development work played a key role, but the rest was down to the 21-year-old.

“We weren't so competitive last year. We've worked really hard in the winter, and I have to say the factory's done a fantastic job, but Pedro also,” Trevathan said.

“Just building on [last year], putting things together, keeping the pressure on us in the box to work on all the details, but not do crazy stuff. So yeah, really happy.”

Acosta heads to round two in Brazil holding a seven-point championship lead over Bezzecchi and a 23-point advantage over Marquez.

The next best KTM rider at Buriram was Acosta's team-mate Brad Binder, who finished in sixth and seventh places.