Moto3 series leader Pedro Acosta will make the step up to Moto2 in 2022 with the Ajo KTM squad alongside Augusto Fernandez, the team announced Tuesday morning.
Acosta has taken the MotoGP paddock by storm so far in his rookie year in the Moto3 world championship, the Spaniard having scored three wins across his first four races-his total currently at five for the season-on his way to a 46 point lead over Sergio Garcia with six rounds remaining.
His Ajo squad has now confirmed that he will make the step up to the intermediate class next year as part of what will be an all-new line-up for the Finnish outfit following the promotion of current riders Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez into MotoGP with the Tech 3 organisation next year.
Acosta will be joined by current Marc VDS rider Augusto Fernandez-no relation to Raul-following a pair of tough years with the Belgian squad, having scored only a trio of rostrums so far having joined it following a strong 2019 campaign with the Pons team in which he bagged three victories en-route to seventh in that year’s standings.
Acosta says the step into Moto2 after only a year in Moto3 is one he “needed to make” as he looks to improve his skills in bike development in preparation for a future in the premier class.
“Jumping to Moto2 was my goal because I believe it’s the step I need to make,” explained Acosta.
“Of course, there is always more to learn – and I could do that in Moto3 – but when it comes to details and my development as a rider then it feels like the right move.
“It’s a big advantage to stay in the Red Bull KTM Ajo team as we now have a year of working together and it’s always important to keep a good and positive feeling with the people around you.
“It’s been a big step into the world championship but I worked for it and I’m happy with how things have been going.”
KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer added that he was “very proud” to have been able to offer a promotion for rookie sensation Acosta, with the signing of Fernandez bringing the experience needed to help both him and Acosta as they look to make the step into MotoGP in the coming years.
“We are very pleased to announce the Moto2 rider line-up with Pedro Acosta and Augusto Fernandez for our KTM GP Academy,” said Beirer.
“Aki Ajo and his team have played a fundamental role in the careers of many riders and we can be proud to have him by our side for the next project in rider development.
“It is a great pleasure to support Pedro’s desire to move up from Moto3 to the next category. What he has shown in his first World Championship season is outstanding and we believe he can keep the momentum going.
“He will continue to focus on his goal for 2021, but we will then tackle the next challenge together. With Augusto we welcome another promising talent to our Red Bull KTM family.
“He has shown great signs and we are happy to have an experienced Moto2 rider in our line-up. I am sure that under Aki’s guidance he can make the next level in performance and we will celebrate some exciting results in the near future.”
