{"id":1964994,"date":"2026-05-31T15:45:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T12:45:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1964994"},"modified":"2026-05-31T15:45:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T12:45:39","slug":"motogp-needs-battles-like-pedro-acosta-vs-marc-marquez-at-mugello","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1964994","title":{"rendered":"MotoGP \u201cneeds\u201d battles like Pedro Acosta vs Marc Marquez at Mugello"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>MotoGP \u201cneeds\u201d battles like Pedro Acosta vs Marc Marquez at Mugello<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Pedro Acosta says MotoGP \u201cneeds\u201d more battles like the one he had in Mugello with Marc Marquez.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Alex Whitworth <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-05-31T16:45:39+01:00\">31 May 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pedro Acosta leads Marc Marquez, Ai Ogura, Fabio Di Giannantonio at 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand\u2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Pedro Acosta says MotoGP \u201cneeds\u201d battles like the one he enjoyed with Marc Marquez at the Italian Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acosta and Marquez battled over fourth place for the first three-quarters of the 23-lap race at Mugello, although they were overhauled in the end by Ai Ogura and Fabio Di Giannantonio.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Marquez was able to use the strength of the Ducati in the front straight to hold position over his compatriot, while Acosta was sharper on corner entry. It created a fascinating battle because, while Acosta seemed the faster of the two, Marquez was able to stay within range to retaliate on the straight whenever Acosta was able to pass \u2013 at least before his physical condition began to take its toll in the final laps.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pedro Acosta leads Marc Marquez, 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The battle was one that MotoGP needs more of, Acosta thinks, his race with Marquez happening in stark contrast to the race at the front between Marco Bezzecchi and Francesco Bagnaia, who passed each other twice before Bagnaia faded in the final third of the race.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI hope the fans enjoyed it on TV,\u201d Pedro Acosta said of his battle with Marquez.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI think the championship needs more races like this one to create the [excitement].\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b02a27d57e703bb4166ad89294dc0d8b620156a7f966dbeba7e7bfb4e9b11d16\">  Fabio di Giannantonio explains near-miss that cost him potential Mugello MotoGP win   Marc Marquez discovers \u201cnew feeling\u201d during intense Mugello MotoGP battle <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAlso, from the inside it was good. It was quite nice. Good passes, really good battle with Marc [Marquez].\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI was able to spend a lot of time behind him and be able to see how he is managing the pace with all the experience that he has, knowing it was a going to be a hard one. For this, satisfied.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pedro Acosta, 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e95c21d1567eda4fb2afad037af548609bc87a25e96421d50c069f822a1980a4\">  Mugello: New 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings after penalties   Marco Bezzecchi wins Mugello MotoGP as Aprilia delivers knock-out blow to Ducati <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">He added: \u201cIt\u2019s always nice to battle with Marc. At the end, I tried to pass him one time, he passed me back, and then I spent some laps behind him, just trying to understand what he was doing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI was knowing that sooner or later the guys that were behind me were going to catch me \u2013 it\u2019s what happens every race, it\u2019s nothing new.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI was just trying to understand what Marc was doing different than me, trying his lines that here in Mugello, these turns eight and nine are much easier when you are behind somebody.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt was quite interesting to go behind Marc and see what he was doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Enea Bastianini leads Pedro Acosta, 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix, Sprint. Credit: Gold and\u2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acosta seemed to be losing out most on the straight compared to Marquez on the Ducati. After the races in the Americas Acosta thought KTM had improved in this area, but since the return to Europe KTM\u2019s lack of straight line performance has returned to something more like that which was evident in Thailand.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cToday we know more or less that we were going to miss it [top speed],\u201d Acosta said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt\u2019s true that now it\u2019s time to check the data with the team and try to understand why again \u2013 after Brazil and America it as looking slightly better \u2013 we are struggling again.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acosta was the only KTM in the top-10 in the race, a result which came after he was comfortably out-paced by Enea Bastianini on Friday. Bastianini crashed out of both races, but was already behind Acosta when he fell.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The turnaround of his weekend from being out of the top-10 on Friday to being in the battle for fourth for most of the race was satisfying for Acosta, but he was still unhappy with the performance level.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe recovery was good but the performance is still quite poor,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWe need to keep going and try to understand with the team why we were struggling that much this weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt\u2019s true, it looks like we were the only ones recovering this weekend compared to the other KTMs. For this, we have to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Pedro Acosta<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Red Bull KTM Factory Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Marc Marquez<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Ducati Lenovo Team<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Fabio di Giannantonio explains near-miss that cost him potential Mugello MotoGP win<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320284_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320284_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320284_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320284_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320284_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320284_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320284_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320284_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320284_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-499856eab057425e4645a2e26b02837b4a1910b1212d3445fd834d70a3c0d73f\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-alex-w.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-alex-w.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-alex-w.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Alex Whitworth<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Journalist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Alex joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having covered consumer and racing motorcycle news at Visordown for two years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-44f36dadebb1d236d4b425995259f7cbf7b6a63e40b80307d11aa215b68b9eb3\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Italian MotoGP, Mugello &#8211; Race Results after penalties<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780231636\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320010_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Bezzecchi, Martin, 2026 Italian MotoGP. \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Starting grid for the 2026 Mugello MotoGP race after penalties<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780212606\"> 8h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1318827_hires_1600x900_0.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Italian MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Pedro Acosta delivers bleak KTM MotoGP assessment: &#8220;We have to survive&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780158510\"> 23h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319236_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Pedro Acosta, 2026 Italian MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez \u201cnot enjoying\u201d, but nerve recovery delivers unusual post-Sprint sign<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780157236\"> 23h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1318871_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, 2026 Italian MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Pecco Bagnaia doesn\u2019t back MotoGP grid change safety proposal<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780155797\"> 30\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1318873_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati Corse, 2026 Italian MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The all-time MotoGP Sprint winners&#8217; list after Mugello<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1780149363\"> 30\/05\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319087_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Raul Fernandez, 2026 Italian MotoGP Sprint.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Pedro Acosta says MotoGP \u201cneeds\u201d more battles like the one he had in Mugello with Marc Marquez.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Pedro Acosta says MotoGP \u201cneeds\u201d battles like the one he enjoyed with Marc Marquez at the Italian Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acosta and Marquez battled over fourth place for the first three-quarters of the 23-lap race at Mugello, although they were overhauled in the end by Ai Ogura and Fabio Di Giannantonio.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Marquez was able to use the strength of the Ducati in the front straight to hold position over his compatriot, while Acosta was sharper on corner entry. It created a fascinating battle because, while Acosta seemed the faster of the two, Marquez was able to stay within range to retaliate on the straight whenever Acosta was able to pass \u2013 at least before his physical condition began to take its toll in the final laps.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pedro Acosta leads Marc Marquez, 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The battle was one that MotoGP needs more of, Acosta thinks, his race with Marquez happening in stark contrast to the race at the front between Marco Bezzecchi and Francesco Bagnaia, who passed each other twice before Bagnaia faded in the final third of the race.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI hope the fans enjoyed it on TV,\u201d Pedro Acosta said of his battle with Marquez.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI think the championship needs more races like this one to create the [excitement].\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b02a27d57e703bb4166ad89294dc0d8b620156a7f966dbeba7e7bfb4e9b11d16\">  Fabio di Giannantonio explains near-miss that cost him potential Mugello MotoGP win   Marc Marquez discovers \u201cnew feeling\u201d during intense Mugello MotoGP battle <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAlso, from the inside it was good. It was quite nice. Good passes, really good battle with Marc [Marquez].\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI was able to spend a lot of time behind him and be able to see how he is managing the pace with all the experience that he has, knowing it was a going to be a hard one. For this, satisfied.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pedro Acosta, 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e95c21d1567eda4fb2afad037af548609bc87a25e96421d50c069f822a1980a4\">  Mugello: New 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings after penalties   Marco Bezzecchi wins Mugello MotoGP as Aprilia delivers knock-out blow to Ducati <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">He added: \u201cIt\u2019s always nice to battle with Marc. At the end, I tried to pass him one time, he passed me back, and then I spent some laps behind him, just trying to understand what he was doing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI was knowing that sooner or later the guys that were behind me were going to catch me \u2013 it\u2019s what happens every race, it\u2019s nothing new.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI was just trying to understand what Marc was doing different than me, trying his lines that here in Mugello, these turns eight and nine are much easier when you are behind somebody.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt was quite interesting to go behind Marc and see what he was doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Enea Bastianini leads Pedro Acosta, 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix, Sprint. Credit: Gold and\u2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acosta seemed to be losing out most on the straight compared to Marquez on the Ducati. After the races in the Americas Acosta thought KTM had improved in this area, but since the return to Europe KTM\u2019s lack of straight line performance has returned to something more like that which was evident in Thailand.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cToday we know more or less that we were going to miss it [top speed],\u201d Acosta said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt\u2019s true that now it\u2019s time to check the data with the team and try to understand why again \u2013 after Brazil and America it as looking slightly better \u2013 we are struggling again.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acosta was the only KTM in the top-10 in the race, a result which came after he was comfortably out-paced by Enea Bastianini on Friday. Bastianini crashed out of both races, but was already behind Acosta when he fell.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The turnaround of his weekend from being out of the top-10 on Friday to being in the battle for fourth for most of the race was satisfying for Acosta, but he was still unhappy with the performance level.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe recovery was good but the performance is still quite poor,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWe need to keep going and try to understand with the team why we were struggling that much this weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt\u2019s true, it looks like we were the only ones recovering this weekend compared to the other KTMs. For this, we have to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Pedro Acosta says MotoGP \u201cneeds\u201d battles like the one he enjoyed with Marc Marquez at the Italian Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acosta and Marquez battled over fourth place for the first three-quarters of the 23-lap race at Mugello, although they were overhauled in the end by Ai Ogura and Fabio Di Giannantonio.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Marquez was able to use the strength of the Ducati in the front straight to hold position over his compatriot, while Acosta was sharper on corner entry. It created a fascinating battle because, while Acosta seemed the faster of the two, Marquez was able to stay within range to retaliate on the straight whenever Acosta was able to pass \u2013 at least before his physical condition began to take its toll in the final laps.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320168_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pedro Acosta leads Marc Marquez, 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The battle was one that MotoGP needs more of, Acosta thinks, his race with Marquez happening in stark contrast to the race at the front between Marco Bezzecchi and Francesco Bagnaia, who passed each other twice before Bagnaia faded in the final third of the race.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI hope the fans enjoyed it on TV,\u201d Pedro Acosta said of his battle with Marquez.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI think the championship needs more races like this one to create the [excitement].\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-b02a27d57e703bb4166ad89294dc0d8b620156a7f966dbeba7e7bfb4e9b11d16\">  Fabio di Giannantonio explains near-miss that cost him potential Mugello MotoGP win   Marc Marquez discovers \u201cnew feeling\u201d during intense Mugello MotoGP battle <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAlso, from the inside it was good. It was quite nice. Good passes, really good battle with Marc [Marquez].\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI was able to spend a lot of time behind him and be able to see how he is managing the pace with all the experience that he has, knowing it was a going to be a hard one. For this, satisfied.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1317686_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pedro Acosta, 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e95c21d1567eda4fb2afad037af548609bc87a25e96421d50c069f822a1980a4\">  Mugello: New 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings after penalties   Marco Bezzecchi wins Mugello MotoGP as Aprilia delivers knock-out blow to Ducati <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">He added: \u201cIt\u2019s always nice to battle with Marc. At the end, I tried to pass him one time, he passed me back, and then I spent some laps behind him, just trying to understand what he was doing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI was knowing that sooner or later the guys that were behind me were going to catch me \u2013 it\u2019s what happens every race, it\u2019s nothing new.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI was just trying to understand what Marc was doing different than me, trying his lines that here in Mugello, these turns eight and nine are much easier when you are behind somebody.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt was quite interesting to go behind Marc and see what he was doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1319251_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Enea Bastianini leads Pedro Acosta, 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix, Sprint. Credit: Gold and\u2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acosta seemed to be losing out most on the straight compared to Marquez on the Ducati. After the races in the Americas Acosta thought KTM had improved in this area, but since the return to Europe KTM\u2019s lack of straight line performance has returned to something more like that which was evident in Thailand.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cToday we know more or less that we were going to miss it [top speed],\u201d Acosta said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt\u2019s true that now it\u2019s time to check the data with the team and try to understand why again \u2013 after Brazil and America it as looking slightly better \u2013 we are struggling again.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Acosta was the only KTM in the top-10 in the race, a result which came after he was comfortably out-paced by Enea Bastianini on Friday. Bastianini crashed out of both races, but was already behind Acosta when he fell.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The turnaround of his weekend from being out of the top-10 on Friday to being in the battle for fourth for most of the race was satisfying for Acosta, but he was still unhappy with the performance level.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe recovery was good but the performance is still quite poor,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cWe need to keep going and try to understand with the team why we were struggling that much this weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt\u2019s true, it looks like we were the only ones recovering this weekend compared to the other KTMs. For this, we have to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1096677\/1\/motogp-needs-battles-pedro-acosta-vs-marc-marquez-mugello&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/gng_1320166_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] MotoGP \u201cneeds\u201d battles like Pedro Acosta vs Marc Marquez at Mugello Pedro Acosta says MotoGP \u201cneeds\u201d more battles like the one he had in Mugello with Marc Marquez. Alex Whitworth 31 May 2026 Share Pedro Acosta leads Marc Marquez, Ai Ogura, Fabio Di Giannantonio at 2026 MotoGP Italian Grand\u2026 \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1964994","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1964994","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1964994"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1964994\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1964994"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1964994"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1964994"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}