Acosta warns: “This is how MotoGP careers are getting shorter and shorter”

– The dense MotoGP race calendar repeatedly sparks discussions. In the past, riders have repeatedly voiced criticism – most recently Pedro Acosta. The Spaniard not only questions individual processes but also warns of long-term consequences for an entire generation of riders.

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At the center of Acosta’s criticism is less the sheer number of races and more the structure of the weekends. While he basically considers the sprint format to be sensible, the current compression of all sessions worries him.

“It’s a good idea, but what I find problematic about the calendar is that riders’ careers are getting shorter,” Acosta warns of the consequences. “There is no way to endure 22 weeks if you have an important session every afternoon: practice, qualifying, sprint, and then the main race.”

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With this, the young Spaniard addresses a topic that has been discussed internally for some time: the increasing physical and mental strain caused by almost fully scheduled race weekends. Unlike before, there is hardly any room to gradually approach the limit, as it is directly about progressing.

No more room for development during the weekend

Acosta also describes the change from a rider’s perspective: In the past, you could improve over a weekend. Today, every run is decisive.

“It’s no longer that time when you can say: ‘Okay, I go out, find my rhythm, step by step,'” he says. “Every day you have an important session, and that 22 times a year.” This has also changed the character of the sport: away from building up over several sessions, towards a permanent qualifying mode. This not only increases the pressure but also the susceptibility to mistakes.

Stress levels and injury risk increase

Acosta sees the long-term strain as particularly critical. The constant pressure cannot be compensated indefinitely. He warns: “This will all shorten because the stress level we have to endure will eventually reach a limit.”

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He explicitly emphasizes that he is not against sprint races: “I think sprint races are a good idea. Shorter qualifying and practice sessions are also good.” The problem for him lies rather in the total amount of intense sessions.

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Above all, the increased risk concerns the KTM rider. “When the level of the races rises, the likelihood of getting injured also increases. That’s the only thing I think about – not the number of races,” he explains his concerns.

Acosta eyes switch to car racing

Acosta’s perspective on other motorsport disciplines is also interesting. For example, he sees significantly more opportunities to shape a career flexibly in car racing.

When asked if he could imagine a long career – similar to Max Verstappen – he remains cautious. Verstappen had already achieved everything he wanted early on, Acosta explains, and is in a completely different situation.

At the same time, he points to the variety in car racing: There are “many beautiful championships” and legendary tracks that open up new perspectives. He is particularly impressed by the American scene. “I really like watching MotoAmerica,” says Acosta, who can imagine a switch. “Why not, go there one day and get to know new tracks without pressure.”

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