MotoGP's tire pressure rule was one of the most controversial topics in the Mandalika race. KTM rider Pedro Acosta reacted strongly to this rule which disrupted the natural flow of the race. Acosta stated that he received a warning because the front tire pressure was below the minimum limit of 1.8 bar in the 27-lap Indonesian Grand Prix.
The Core Issue with the Tire Pressure Rule
Acosta criticized drivers having to change positions to manage tire pressure. Acosta saw the fundamental problem with the current rule as requiring teams to set the tire pressure according to the race scenario before the race begins. Having another motorcycle behind a rider who is leading can significantly affect the temperature and thus the pressure of the front tire.
You cannot control what other riders will do.
The Importance of Pre-Race Control
Acosta expressed that he understood there needed to be a minimum pressure before the race, but he cannot control what happens afterward. He cited Jorge Martin's issue on Saturday as an example.
Martin prepared for the race thinking he would likely be ahead of Bezzecchi and Marc. But you cannot control what other riders will do.
Solution and New Approach
According to the KTM rider, the solution is to check the minimum pressure before the the race and not to penalize riders due to changing conditions during the race. Acosta argued that the minimum pressure should be checked before the race starts on the grid, and riders should not be penalized due to changing conditions during the race.
In my opinion, the minimum pressure should be checked before the the race starts on the grid. Whatever happens afterward. Because you cannot change things during the the race.
Acosta also stated that he disagreed with the newly announced €5000 fine. He emphasized that you cannot force a rider to do something. Citing Raul Fernandez as an example, he said that drivers' careers are shorter due to stress every day. However, he did not believe that drivers would oppose this situation. He stated that everyone acts for their own interests.
Race Performance and Results
Despite the issues he faced, Acosta achieved the best result outside of Aprilia in the main race at Mandalika in fifth place. Acosta emphasized that they performed better than others in the Sprint race.
We had a good race. I was the best rider outside of Aprilia and we were much better than yesterday.
In the final part of the race, the Spanish rider stated that Ai Ogura caught up to them, admitting they could not do better in the duel for podium.
In the end, Ogura caught up to us and was faster than us. I think we got the maximum result we could get.
Acosta said he had to overtake Marc Marquez multiple times, and this eliminated their chance to finish in the top four.
We lost a lot of time because of these incidents and we lost the chance to finish in the top four. However, Acosta stated that he was the best rider outside of Aprilia and they were much better than yesterday.
Overall Assessment
Pedro Acosta stated that he struggled with the front tire pressure throughout the race. He expressed that they lost a lot of time when overtaking Marc, and then passing again, and then overtaking again.
I struggled with the front tire pressure throughout the race. We lost a lot of time when overtaking Marc, and then passing again, and then overtaking again.
He emphasized that they lost a lot of time and lost the chance to finish in the top four.
Conclusion
Pedro Acosta achieved the best result outside of Aprilia in the Mandalika race despite the difficulties, and stated that they had a good race. At the end of the race, Ogura caught up to them and they got the maximum result they could get.
Comments
Pedro Acosta:
I think Marc experienced the same problem as me because he overtook me again.
Pedro Acosta:
I understand that there must be a minimum pressure. But you cannot control what others do.
Pedro Acosta:
We lost a lot of time when overtaking Marc.
Pedro Acosta:
When I was behind, everything was fine. But when I was in front, the pressure dropped again.
Pedro Acosta:
When I was behind, there was no problem. But when I was in front, it was good at first, then not.
Pedro Acosta:
They gave me the opportunity to get into the top 4.
Pedro Acosta:
I understand there must be a minimum pressure. But you cannot control what others do.
Figures
- Pedro Acosta finished in 5th place with 258 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
- Archive: Going to learn from him to beat Marquez, not to win from Ducati (October 9, 2026)
Compiled from 2 sources covering the same story.
Compiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
