Pedro Acosta has received ൩a glowing reference af꧒ter Aleix Espargaro got a close-up view of his talent.

Rookie Acosta shone at the preseason MotoGP test in Sepang by going seconꦚd-fastest on th🐷e opening day.

His emergenc🌼e resulted in Pol Espargaro being demoted 💝from Tech3 GASGAS full-time rider to a KTM test spot.

“Pedro’s talent is amazing,” Aleix said.

“Since arriving in the championship he hasℱ done extraordi♏nary things.

“It’s just his third time in Sepang, his second t🌠ime in MotoGP.

“Obviousl🔯y he has been riding for a lot of [time].

“When you se𝓡e him on track, I wa𝔍s riding with him for a couple of laps, you see the lines that he’s taking. They are not rookie lines.

“It’s unbelievable how fast he learns.

“He is one to watch during the season.”

Aleix said about Aprilia’s showing at the Sepang test: “Very happy overall. I eꦜnjoyed this fir𝄹st test of the season.

“We did a really good job. We’ve completed our best tes🔯t programme since I’ve been at Aprilia. I am proud.

“The ‘24 spec bike is promising, it’s looking good. I can’t wait to go🔯🧔 to Qatar.”

A🌼leix’s sprint simulation was seven seconds faster than it was✃ a year ago.

“We did a solid job. Michelin toꦐld me that we simulated the sprint with used tyres,” he said.

“It was🤡 almost our qualifying lap tꦡime of last year so I’m happy with these improvements.”

Bu🥀t Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola claims they cannot fight for the championship.

“He’s right,” Aleix said. “Once⭕ again, all the Ducatis were on top♓.

“I was the only bike in the mix with them.

“We impro👍ved a lot. The bike is definitely better than last season’s.

“I’m not sure if we’re able to fight for the 🐠title yet. We still have time.

“Massimo is right. 🦩[Ducati] are𒅌 still the bike to beat.”