Pedro Acosta proved Brno wasn’t only a flash within the pan by extending his MotoGP podium streak to 3 in a row in Saturday’s Austrian Dash.
Benefitting from enhanced turning with the brand new KTM fairing, Acosta had battled for pole place earlier within the day, till a giant entrance finish slid on the remaining nook.
That left him seventh on the grid, however the younger Spaniard recovered to fourth by the top of the opening lap, then handed Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi.
Solely the Marquez brothers have been now forward. Acosta initially saved tempo with the Ducati riders earlier than spending the closing laps holding Bezzecchi at bay.
“I am actually having fun with this second,” Acosta informed MotoGP.com. “It was a extremely robust starting of the season for us. And now that the upgrades and the outcomes are coming, we simply have to get pleasure from, do not suppose an excessive amount of.
“Now we discover this consistency, additionally this confidence, that possibly was lacking a bit.”
Acosta was additionally 17 seconds sooner than a 12 months in the past, when he completed the Dash in tenth.
“We managed the race in one of the simplest ways. It was lengthy, however a lot better than final 12 months – I keep in mind final 12 months I used to be struggling even to be within the high 10.
“For this, I’m proud of the work that the group is doing.”
Acosta took the chequered flag 3.126s behind race winner Marc Marquez and two seconds from the Gresini machine of Alex.
Would possibly a greater beginning place have made the distinction?
“We now have to recognise that Marc and Alex have a step in comparison with the remaining.
“We must be proud of the outcome we take. We solely should see how unhealthy we was at starting of the season. For this, let’s benefit from the outcome.”
In the meantime, one other sturdy outcome within the grand prix might rely upon the beginning.
“Within the final couple of races, we’re making actually good begins. Let’s attempt to make an excellent plan. Let’s attempt to match the crimson mild with the clutch lever and revel in.”
Acosta is now simply 5 factors behind Franco Morbidelli for sixth within the MotoGP world championship standings.
Workforce-mate Brad Binder was the following finest RC16 rider on Saturday, in fifth.
