Maverick Vinales is eyeing Pedro Acosta’s status as a leading rider in the KTM stable, and the staff at the Austrian builder have made bold predictions about their upcoming matchup.
While the bikes haven’t even touched the tarmac in the MotoGP 2026 season opener, mid-race Maverick Vinales And Pedro Acosta It has started.
Top Gun has reportedly been given the green light to replace Acosta In the factory group in 2027, following reports that Murcia has finalized a deal to ride for Ducati that year.
The move comes after the three-time MotoGP champion sought help from the 31-year-old after a full winter of intense training. George Lorenzo To take it to the next level.
KTM are expecting Maverick Vinales to win the race ahead of Pedro Acosta in the upcoming MotoGP season.
During the recent paddock passing class PodcastMotoGP journalist Neil Morrison shares his feelings from the KTM garages regarding Vinales’ rivalry with Acosta in the upcoming season.
He said, “I was talking to someone who knows people over the weekend. KTMAnd there were comments from a few people at KTM that they expected Maverick to win races before Pedro this year, which I thought was very interesting.
While the chances of Top Gun winning the title in 2026 with sub-optimal KTM machinery are a long shot, Lorenzo set a goal to pass Vinales This year at the MotoGP level by the Austrian constructor.
The extra boost for the Spaniard is said to have damaged his relationship with his younger friend.
It has just been added. ‘Tension’ between Acosta and Vinales Due to Lorenzo raising the stakes, and the former Yamaha star saw it first-hand during the Sepang test that happened last week.
- Read more: Jorge Lorenzo points out what Maverick Vinales lacks to become the best MotoGP rider ever.
‘No one understands’ why Jorge Lorenzo is Maverick Vinales’ performance coach
While the early signs of the partnership between Lorenzo and Vinales are encouraging, figures in the premier class paddock are also not optimistic about continuing formalities for too long.
MotoGP journalist Mela Chercoles told Motociclismo that people are taking bets that Lorenzo will remain Vinales’ operations coach. Podcast“Jorge Lorenzo is my friend, I like him a lot, and I think he is one of the best riders in history.
“He’s in the top 10 of all time. And Maverick Vinales, I have a good relationship with him. I like this version of Maverick.
But no one understands this alliance, they are two very unique characters and bets are being made on how long they will last.
Vinales has already explained his reasons Why Lorenzo asked for helpHighlighting that he truly believes that the three-time winner of the premier class will open an “extra tenth” from it.
