KTM rider Pedro Acosta had a promising week at the 2026 Sepang test as he took on a new class on the bike Ducati MotoGP is looking to ban in the winter.
The 21-year-old regularly ranks among the fastest riders in Malaysia, and even finished the final day in one of the strongest middle-of-the-road sprint race simulations. Acosta Set the fourth best average lap time among sprint races at 1:58.676, although 0.648s shy of the best.
Gresini’s Alex Marquez had the strongest sprint pace in the 10-lap runs Thursday with a 1:58.028 ahead of the factory. Ducati Drivers Francesco Bagnaia (1:58.166) and Marc Marquez (1:58.289). Tech3’s Enea Bastianini was just another. KTM A rider in the top 10.
Pedro Acosta ‘Very Happy’ With KTM Wings For 2026 Sepang Challenge
Because teams run different fuel loads and settings on bikes, it’s not possible to accurately compare lap times during testing. But the Sepang test turned out to be an encouraging week for Acosta, as he really noticed the difference KTM’s new leg fins made to his RC16.
Read more: Everything you need to know about Pedro Acosta from money to girlfriend
KTM took inspiration from the wings Aprilia And later Honda It was used last year with the introduction of aerodynamically adjustable accessories behind the driver’s footwell on the side of the seat. According to Jack Appleyard, KTM has made the most progress in Malaysia.
Appleyard said on MotoGP’s: “KTM has made some progress in the future Noon live broadcast. “They were able to add wings to their legs, they were able to add the lateral attachment that Apria was famous for in the middle of last year.
“Especially Pedro Acosta is very happy[with this].[He]can feel a real difference on the bike and he likes the addition, and you can adjust and improve the rear seat. So KTM has been hard at work.”
Ducati wants MotoGP to ban leg fins after seeing Aprilia use them in 2025.
In Italy during the winter reports have indicated the rumor Ducati MotoGP wanted to block the wings of ApriliaAfter seeing their Italian rival and later Honda make progress in that area. Plans to outlaw leg fins have failed after MotoGP failed to identify any real safety concerns.
In the year Following the Valencia test in the 2025 season, potential safety concerns over leg fins have been raised, with the section also containing recommendations for riders to stick to their bikes after an accident. But with no evidence to back up the claims, the FIM allowed the class to stand.
The FIM is expected to revisit foot fins, as MotoGP is scrapping its rules for 850cc bikes in 2027 and banning ride-height devices. But Acosta hopes KTM’s new winglets can take on Ducati in 2026 and come close to claiming his first MotoGP win.
The 21-year-old arrived in Malaysia amid claims he has agreed to join Ducati for the 2027 MotoGP season. It is considered Ducati are signing Acosta. With a two-year contract, the Spaniard lost patience with the development of the KTM RC16.
