Jack Miller’s ‘cool’ performance compared to Pedro Acosta’s ‘hot’ performance sparked a concept that KTM could really do in the middle of the 2024 season, namely changing the team line-up where Pedro Acosta was promoted to the factory Red Bull KTM team, while Miller’ transferred to the Red Bull GasGas team. This speculative concept that is present in Austin can be done administratively because both are contracted by the manufacturer directly and coincidentally the motorbike specs used by both are the same.
It is believed that this change concept can further sharpen Acosta’s performance acceleration because in general he will receive more technical support from KTM Factory and of course Red Bull Advance Technology. However, there are also many who suggest that several things that have stuck with Acosta, such as crew chief Paul Thervathan, should be retained.
However, this was quickly responded to by KTM who, through KTM Motorsport Director – Pit Beirer – told Motorsport-Magazine about a potential swap this season: “Pedro’s achievement is an absolute highlight. But no, that [swapping Miller] wasn’t an option for us. Jack had been a bit out of sorts at times, but he trained diligently over the winter and was physically in better shape than ever. He’s just trying to get back up. I like it very much.”
However, Pit confirmed that KTM can contractually swap riders if they wish. “All four of our riders in MotoGP have factory contracts,” he said. “So you’re not tied to a particular team. We always plan and think with these four places in MotoGP.”
Continuing to Acosta, the presence of another racer with good performance besides Brad Binder, according to Pit Beirer, helps KTM, “That really helps Brad. He is often [the only rider in top form] and it is not clear to him, us or anyone (when analyzing that) to what extent this is due to the rider or the bike.”
“Now we have a second rider who is performing well. Then it will be easier to analyze where the weak points are and where we need to improve them. So it will definitely make us a lot stronger. We will continue to gain momentum!”
