MotoGP youngster Pedro Acosta is in negotiations to sign a major new contract with KTM. The rising star, who has impressed in the first four rounds of the 2024 season, has already done enough to be rewarded by his producer. Acosta’s current contract with KTM expires at the end of this year, but includes a clause to extend the partnership until 2025. However, recent talks in Jerez between Acosta and the brand’s top executives indicate an intention to reach a deal new, which ensures the coach’s stay in the team until the end of 2026. According to reports from Marca, negotiations are taking place quietly, as both sides are sure they want to reach an agreement. KTM’s strategy is to finalize the new contract by the summer, “closing the door” on rivals looking at Acosta. The new contract terms will provide Acosta with an improved salary, long-term stability and increased status among MotoGP greats such as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) and Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha). The decision on whether Acosta will remain with the Tech3 GASGAS team or be promoted to the KTM factory team next season is still open. However, he is widely expected to get a promotion. Jack Miller, whose contract expires at the end of this year, would logically be the manager to be replaced. From KTM’s perspective, securing a new deal with Acosta would mean securing his future for another season. The importance of keeping Acosta in the team is clear, given the impact and talent he has demonstrated in his short MotoGP career. Acosta has expressed his desire to keep the same technical team with him if he signs the contract and becomes factory manager. “With whatever team Pol Espargaro left me with, I’m very comfortable with them,” Acosta said. Acosta became the third youngest rider to reach the podium in MotoGP this year. His driving style and engaging personality made an impact in the paddock and generated high expectations for his future. KTM is determined not to let this promising talent go and sees Acosta as a key player in its long-term plans. With negotiations ongoing, KTM is focused on “doing the right thing” to ensure Acosta continues to grow and bring positive results to the team. Knowing that both parties want a deal makes the process easier, but the importance of finalizing the right terms cannot be understated. For KTM, keeping Acosta is not only a matter of talent, but also an essential strategy for future success in the competitive world of MotoGP.
Nicolo Bulega Confident and Comfortable Ahead of Misano WorldSBK Round
Ducati rider Nicolo Bulega is feeling confident and comfortable ahead of the upcoming WorldSBK round at Misano, his home race, after testing positive at the same track. The young Italian rider put in an impressive performance during the two-day tests, finishing second on day one and third on day two, showing clear progress in his adaptation to the bike and the category. Despite challenges at Assen, where he was unable to match the pace of teammates Alvaro Bautista and Toprak Razgatlioglu, Bulega showed marked improvement at Misano. “I am satisfied with this test because we improved my feeling on the bike,” said Bulega. “I’m not 100% yet, but better than day one.” During the test, Bulega experimented with different settings on the bike, which proved effective, giving him more confidence for the Misano race. “We tried something different that I liked and went in a good direction. Today we focus on finding different adjustments to the bike. I feel more comfortable on the bike. We just have to work on it and improve my feelings. The feeling on the bike is not necessarily better, but my position on the bike is.” The Italian rider is excited to race in his home country, stressing the importance of racing on a familiar track with an Italian bike. “I think we can start working from this position to improve my feelings. I think we are on the right track. It will be special to be Italian with an Italian bike. That would be nice.” Bulega also emphasised the importance of local support and how it can positively affect your performance. “A home run always brings a special feeling. The energy and support of the Italian fans are unique, and it gives me an extra boost. I want to do my best and have a good race for them.” Meanwhile, another driver who stood out during the test was Michael Van Der Mark. Although he struggled with the weather, the Dutchman managed to make some important adjustments to his bike. Commenting on the test, Van Der Mark said, “We had clear things to test. Whenever we wanted to try something in the morning, it started raining. It was a long day. At the end of the day, we had two hours of dryness, but that is never enough. It’s always beneficial to ride together [with Razgatlioglu]. You can always learn and improve. We want to improve this package, so sometimes you have to step up.” With both drivers focused on improving their settings and performance, the Misano round promises to be exciting. Bulega, in particular, is determined to show his potential and take advantage of his home ground. With careful preparation and precise adjustments, Nicolo Bulega hopes to have an unforgettable race at Misano, reaffirming his position as one of WorldSBK’s most promising rookies. WorldSBK fans will be keen to see if Bulega’s positive tests at Misano translate into a solid performance in official competition as he continues his journey of growth and success in the category.
Miguel Oliveira Apologizes for Incident Involving Fabio
Trackhouse Aprilia rider Miguel Oliveira has expressed his sadness over the incident with Fabio Quatararo in the MotoGP Sprint race at Mugello. The crash left both riders in the gravel on the second lap as a technical problem with the bike set in for Oliveira. The incident began when the height adjustment device on Oliveira’s bike failed to turn off in the first corner, causing him to lose his position. Determined to quickly regain lost ground, Oliveira eventually pitted 10-year-old Scarperia against Quatararo. At the end of the first lap, Quatararo, who was in 14th place, was unable to avoid contact, leading to a crash for both. “It was really sad. I definitely don’t want to crash with anyone and I feel sorry for Fabio,” Oliveira said after the race. “I agreed to the braking point and I couldn’t slow down any more, so at that point I tried to make the turn. I was able to make the turn, but I was going too fast and I had contact with Fabio. He saw me and tried to avoid but we collided which was a shame. FIM stewards assessed the incident and declared it a racing accident. Quartararo, while not happy to be punished for similar mistakes in the past, accepted the situation and admitted that “these things can happen”. Oliveira, who was 11th on the grid, said his poor start was crucial to the incident. “I couldn’t turn off the gutshot in the first corner and I went into turn six with the gutshot still on and everyone touched me and I went backwards, which was bad. I tried to go forward right after that but when I went I crashed trying to heal. Trackhouse team manager Wilco Zellenberg defended Olivera, highlighting the driver’s problems with his technical equipment. “Miguel had problems unlocking the front gears after the start, he had a few crashes so he lost a few places,” said Zellenberg. “The bike was good and he pushed to make up places, but he made a mistake – he braked late and hard, lost the lead and hit Fabio. I’m sorry about that and of course it wasn’t intentional, but you are. To try things such, otherwise you are already lost. Oliveira’s teammate Raul Fernandez, who took part in Qualifying 2, finished tenth. Commenting on the race, Fernandez said he prefers to learn and understand the circuit well before attempting a risky move. “I tried to pass Alex, but it wasn’t going to be a clean move, so I thought it was better to stay behind him and learn on the bike and the track,” Fernandez said. The incident at Mugello reminds us of the complexity and risks involved in MotoGP racing, where every decision and every move has a huge impact. Miguel Oliveira has shown professionalism and respect for the sport and its leaders by apologizing to Fabio Quatararo.
Michael Dunlop Honors Late Uncle Joey Following His 26th Isle of Man TT Victory
Michael Dunlop, one of the most respected names in the world of motorcycle racing, recently achieved a milestone by equaling his late uncle Joey Dunlop’s record with his 26th Isle of Man TT win. This remarkable achievement not only highlights Michael’s talent and dedication, but also brings to the surface a number of deep-seated family memories and emotions. In an emotional interview with the BBC in Northern Ireland, Michael expressed a sense of relief at finally achieving this goal, noting that the pressure was constant throughout the year. “It takes some of the pressure off now,” Dunlop said. “It’s something I’ve been hanging on to for a whole year, so it’s nice to get it.” Joey Dunlop, a legend on the Isle of Man TT circuit, died 24 years ago while racing, leaving a legacy that has inspired many, including his cousin. Michael acknowledged Joey’s huge influence on his career and said it was an honor to share this record with him. “Everyone wants to be like Joey here and to be now one of the most successful on the TT track, to share that with Joey, is an honour.” This success also brought back memories of other loved ones who supported Michael throughout his journey. He mentioned that his grandmother, one of his biggest supporters, regrets not living to see this moment. “I have mixed emotions. One of my biggest supporters was my grandmother and it’s a shame I didn’t get it last year so she could see it.” With TT race week still underway, Michael Dunlop has seven more chances to become the most successful Isle of Man TT rider of all time. “I’m going to give 110% in the next seven races, we have to keep pushing. Winning races is what I’m here to do, whether it’s one or eight.” Dunlop highlighted the constant pressure to win at the challenging Isle of Man circuit and the hard work he and his team put in to succeed. “There’s always pressure to win in the Isle of Man and to do it all ourselves, to work really hard for it, I think we’re doing a good job.” The TT week will culminate on Saturday 8th June with the Senior TT, the most prestigious race of the event. Michael Dunlop will race in the Senior TT, not only to add to his win tally, but also to further cement his legacy and honor the memory of his uncle Joey. With his resilience and unwavering passion, Michael Dunlop continues to write his name in Isle of Man TT history, carrying with him the spirit and inspiration of his family.
