Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1502241
KTM Planning For Life With Acosta P edro Acosta's recent run has meant KTM can no longer ignore his rise. At As- sen the Austrian factory in- dicated it will do everything within its means to place the Spaniard in MotoGP next year. As recently as Mugello, the Austrian factory had pleaded with the 19-year- old prodigy to remain in Moto2 for a third year in 2024. But at Assen, Acosta declared, "Moto2 is not an option (for 2024)," believ - ing, "If we continue fighting for the championship this year, maybe that means I'm ready to go to MotoGP." KTM had previously stated it was more than happy with its current pre - mier class lineup, indicat- ing Acosta may have to look elsewhere to arrive to MotoGP. Pit Beirer told Ger - man website Speedweek it will endeavor to keep Acosta within its ranks, even if it is at the expense of current GasGas Tech3 riders Pol Espargaro or Augusto Fernandez. For his part, Acosta stressed his commitment to KTM. "I believe in (KTM) and put everything in their hands. It's project that gives me lots of excite - ment. Now the bike is quite competitive. Maybe not next year, but in two or three years they'll be so competitive." Neil Morrison WIND IN THE P58 Marquez "Free To Do What He Wants" In 2024 S unday capped a miserable tripleheader for Honda and Marc Marquez after the eight- time world champion withdrew from the Dutch TT. A crash on Saturday and the exerts of riding to 17th in the Sprint meant the rib he cracked the previous week in Germany was displaced by 2mm – enough to leave him in agony. Marquez crashed nine times in the past three weeks, fractur - ing a finger and a rib. And all for three measly points. It begs the question: What does the future hold? "I'm in a very deep moment and I cannot think about this," said Marquez. "First of all, you cannot decide your future or things when you are in that condition. I need to rebuild my body, my mental side." Asked whether Marquez will remain with Honda in 2024, Team Manager Alberto Puig said, "I have to think yes be - cause we have a contract. But every person is free to do what he wants in life, and Honda is not a company that wants to have people that is not happy being in Honda. Honda respects Marc a lot. I want to think yes, but I don't have a magic ball." Neil Morrison The kid is coming… Pedro Acosta will be in MotoGP next year, with or without KTM. The summer break will be the most important of Marc Marquez's life as he sorts out what to do with Honda.