A bold statement from KTM's Pedro Acosta has sparked a debate in the MotoGP community. Acosta, in a recent interview, named Pol Espargaro, a former MotoGP rider, as someone who deserves a full-time seat once again. But here's where it gets controversial...
Espargaro, a seasoned rider with a successful career spanning across Tech3 Yamaha, KTM, and Honda, faced a major setback in 2023 when a serious crash during the Portuguese Grand Prix sidelined him for the first half of the season. Despite having a contract with Tech3 KTM for 2024, Espargaro chose to step away from full-time racing, opting for a test rider role to regain his fitness and focus on development.
His return to the track in 2024 and 2025, as a wildcard, has been impressive. He secured points in two out of three appearances in 2024 and consistently finished in the top 10 in four out of five races in 2025.
Acosta, at the end of the 2025 campaign, couldn't hold back his praise for Espargaro's work as KTM's test rider. "There are people who should consider making Pol a permanent rider in the championship again," Acosta stated. He further added, "I would recommend him to anyone in the championship. He's been consistently fast and has shown great potential."
Acosta believes Espargaro's experience and data-driven approach can greatly benefit any team. "He rides aggressively, similar to my style, and having his insights and experience would be invaluable," Acosta explained.
Espargaro, who had been considering a move to World Superbikes, has decided to continue his role as KTM's test rider for another year.
So, the question remains: Should Espargaro be given a full-time MotoGP ride? What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Let's spark a friendly debate and discuss the future of this talented rider!
