The world is quickly running out of superlatives to portray Pedro Acosta. Two podium finishes in his first three races see the Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 star sit P4 in the MotoGP™ Championship ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix – where he’ll be joined on track by Dani Pedrosa.

For the second year running, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing test rider will take part in a wildcard at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Neito and following his classy performances in 2023, both in Jerez and Misano, expectations will be a little higher than they were last year for the MotoGP™ Legend. However, not as high as they are for his younger compatriot.

What does Pedrosa think of Acosta's performances?

Alongside his work as KTM’s test rider, Pedrosa often links up with Spanish broadcaster DAZN for some punditry work and after another exceptional performance at the Circuit of The Americas, the three-time World Champion assessed Acosta’s start to life as a MotoGP™ rider.

"I would point out that there were a lot of expectations about Pedro, how well he could do, how strong he was coming from Moto2™, but he is surpassing even those expectations."

What can Acosta and Pedrosa produce at the Spanish GP?

After Sunday’s P2 finish, Pedrosa had the chance to chat with Acosta before joining the #31 on track in Jerez next time out. Both riders will receive a rapturous reception at their home GP, and expectations from the home faithful will be sky-high for the duo.

"What a race, it was a spectacle to see that start of the race. It was a luxury to see you fighting for the victory and you should be very proud; in three races you've been on the podium twice. 

"I hope you give me a bit of a wheelie! It was going to be the other way around, you're learning, but with how fast you're going it's going to be my turn to follow you," commented Pedrosa. 

"I don't think that will happen," replied Acosta, who is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and ignoring the outside noise. "We still have a lot to learn, especially what I told you: we are taking Saturday's races to see how it will be on Sunday because yesterday's race helped us to see that with the soft tyre we couldn't make it." 

Acosta praises "spectacular" RC16 developed by Pedrosa

The chat between the two stars continued, with Acosta heaping praise on Pedrosa and his work in helping guide the RC16 into a competitive MotoGP™ package.

"You're giving us a bike that goes spectacularly, that hardly moves at all. Let's see if little by little I can tune it up too!"

After a weekend off, excitement will quickly escalate ahead of the Spanish GP where the packed Jerez hillsides will be filled with the sound of fans cheering on numerous home heroes, but maybe two in particular: Pedrosa and Acosta.