Pedro Acosta Races to 9th Place in MotoGP Sprint at Argentina’s Return of Termas de Rio Hondo

Pedro Acosta achieved 9th place in the MotoGP Sprint at Termas de Rio Hondo, his first experience of MotoGP speed. While Acosta qualified 5th, teammate Brad Binder crashed out. Enea Bastianini finished 14th after starting 21st, and Maverick Viñales ended in 18th. Challenges with bike setups were notable, with a need for improved traction highlighted by riders. The event marked the return of the venue after a year away.

Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing achieved a commendable 9th place finish during the second Sprint of 2025 at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit in Argentina. Acosta qualified in 5th position, demonstrating his growing prowess on the KTM RC16, amidst challenges faced by his teammates, notably, Enea Bastianini and Brad Binder, who finished 14th and DNF, respectively.

The sprint race consisted of 12 laps where Acosta, utilizing a solid second-row start, reached as high as 5th position before finishing 9th, thereby earning points for his efforts. The race conditions featured low grip due to overcast skies, making it imperative for riders to optimize their traction. Acosta’s teammate Binder unfortunately crashed out during the first lap, leading to an early retirement from the race.

In contrast, Bastianini advanced from a 21st grid position in Q1 to finish 14th in the Sprint. Meanwhile, Maverick Viñales started in 20th but concluded the race in 18th place after evolving his bike setup throughout the sessions. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 team also faced challenges with Bastianini and Viñales as they struggled with their setups, emphasizing the need for continuous adjustments.

The weather in Argentina presented a cooler environment for the MotoGP and marked the return of the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit, which had been absent from the Grand Prix calendar for the previous year. Their performance in practice and qualifying indicated the potential for a competitive race ahead, despite the setbacks.

Post-race comments reflected a mix of resolve and acknowledgment of the need for improvement. Acosta emphasized the importance of enhancing traction, stating they need “to work out how to put more traction and drive on the ground,” while Binder expressed his disappointment over the early race incident but remained hopeful for the longer race to come.

With promising results for the Moto3 class, riders like José Antonio Rueda and Álvaro Carpe showcased their impressive skills, qualifying high on the grid after successful outings in Thailand. As the series continues, MotoGP fans eagerly anticipate improvements and thrilling races in the forthcoming events.

In summary, Pedro Acosta’s 9th place finish in the MotoGP Sprint in Argentina highlights his significant progress within the sport, despite the challenges faced by him and his teammates. The race showcased the importance of optimal traction and bike setup, with drivers eager to analyze their performances for better outcomes in future races. The resurgence of the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit reinstated the competitive spirit among riders, especially the promising talents in Moto3, as the series progresses toward subsequent rounds.

Original Source: www.totalmotorcycle.com