PEDRO ACOSTA – THE 2021 Moto3™ WORLD CHAMPION
It is possible that in years to come 2021 will be remembered for the arrival of Grand Prix racing ’ s new sensation Pedro Acosta , among other things . The 17-year old rookie has taken the Moto3™ class by storm , racking up six victories over the course of the year to become the second youngest Grand Prix World Champion in history .
It ’ s been quite the ride until now . Having scored a fine second place in his debut Grand Prix , the Red Bull Ajo KTM rider then amazed the watching world by winning his second – and that was after he was handed a pit lane start . From there , he won last lap battles at Portimao and Jerez brilliantly , before adding further triumphs at the Sachsenring and Red Bull Ring .
But the season will also be remembered for the heroic recovery of Dennis Foggia . From sitting 97 points behind after the tenth round of the season , the Italian was superb in the season ’ s half , taking six straight podiums to enter the penultimate round just 21 points behind Acosta , putting the long-time leader under serious pressure .
The pair met on track for a brilliant duel at the Algarve GP with Acosta winning out after Foggia was taken out on the final lap , claiming his sixth win of the year and taking an insurmountable 46-point advantage to Valencia . It was a ride that showcased all of Acosta ’ s best qualities : aggression , precision and coolness under pressure . A fitting World Champion . And on this evidence , this will be the first of many .
72 | Pedro Acosta – the 2021 Moto3™ World Champion