KTM has won the Moto3 World Championship for the second year in a row. Red Bull KTM Ajo rider and KTM GP Academy star Pedro Acosta capped a magnificent rookie season in Grand Prix racing by confirming his first ‘gold medal’ at seventeen years of age at the Grande Prémio Brembo do Algarve in Portugal.
- Acosta rules in Portimao and claims the Moto3 world title in the rookie year with six wins and eight podiums from 17 races.
- KTM lift the fifth Moto3 crown since 2011 and second in a row with the KTM RC4
- Red Bull KTM Ajo celebrate third Moto3 championship after titles with Sandro Cortese & Brad Binder.
Pedro Acosta started the 21-lap race knowing he was less than an hour away from putting his name in the world championship record books. Finishing ahead of sole title threat Dennis Foggia was enough in terms of points needed before MotoGP travelled to the last round in Valencia.
The Portimao course hosted round three of the series in April. The Grande Prémio Brembo do Algarve in Portugal represented the second trip to the circuit in 2021. A chilly but sunny climate graced the second-to-last race of the year, and Moto3 launched the Sunday program at 12.20 CET.
Action
Acosta moved up from 14th on the grid and was part of a frantic chase between an eight-rider group for the podium. The lead changed numerous times, with fellow Red Bull KTM Ajo racer Jaume Masia in contention until a late fall at Turn 5.
When Foggia was a victim of contact on the final lap and crashed, 17-year-old Acosta was free to charge to the finish line and confirm his crown. Niccolo Antonelli made sure of his fourth podium of 2021 in 3rd place. Ayumu Sasaki was less than two seconds from Acosta in 6th while Daniel Holgado – substituting Deniz Öncü – took his first world championship points for 13th.
The 2020 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, Acosta made an instant and lasting impact on Moto3 in his first attempt. He finished 2nd on his debut in Qatar but then sensationally won his second outing at the Losail International Circuit despite starting from the pitlane. He added another four wins in the following eight Grands Prix to power to the top of the standings and remained in place.
For the second year in succession, KTM began championship celebrations in Portimao after Albert Arenas had won the 2020 Moto3 competition at the same site.
Quote
Pedro Acosta: “I feel like I have nothing to say at the moment! I did the warm-down lap crying. I can only say thanks to the team, Aki, KTM and Red Bull. They gave me a family this year. Thanks to all the guys that send me messages every day. To all the people pushing me: this championship is for them.”
Aki Ajo, Team Principal: “I have to say it is like a dream come true this year with Pedro and his first season. He has achieved so much and won the title like a real champion. I’m so thankful to all our partners and staff, and workers. The whole big group that is behind us and made this all possible. Racing in MotoGP is real teamwork, so thanks to all.”
Results Moto3 Grande Prémio Brembo do Algarve in Portugal 2021
- 1. Pedro Acosta (ESP) Red Bull KTM Ajo 38:04.339
- 2. Andrea Migno (ITA) Honda +0.354
- 3. Niccolo Antonelli (ITA) KTM +0.880
- 4. Jeremy Alcoba (ESP) Honda +1.768
- 5. Izan Guevarra (ESP) GASGAS +1.839
- 6. Ayumu Sasaki (JPN) Red Bull KTM Tech3 +1.874
- 13. Daniel Holgado (ESP) Red Bull KTM Tech3 +9.930
- 19. Jaume Masia (ESP) Red Bull KTM Ajo +13.616
via KTM
