Jack Miller reckons GP rookie star Pedro Acosta is the real deal
Jack Miller is impressed with what he sees as he gets to train with Moto3 sensation Pedro Acosta in Barcelona - 'The kid is an immense talent...'
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Pedro Acosta has been turning plenty of high-profile heads since bursting onto the Grand Prix racing scene in 2021 with Jack Miller the latest to throw his support and offer some tips to the up-and-coming Spaniard.
With four wins from the opening nine races - a record for a GP newcomer - Acosta has established a comfortable advantage out front with a 48 point lead heading into the summer break.
With backing from KTM and Ajo Motorsport, Acosta - at just 16 years old - is considered ripe for a fast track into MotoGP, even if he is unlikely just yet to be capable of making the same Moto3 to MotoGP leap Miller did back in 2015.
Miller’s leap is certainly rare by today’s standards but it has served him well, the Australian now a three-time race winner at MotoGP level, even if it has taken until 2021 for him to be considered a title threat in his maiden factory deal.
Indeed, Miller was impressed when he was joined for a training and track session in Barcelona by the sensation, not least because the youngster sought the Aussie rider out himself.
"He was there in Barcelona and asked if he could join us for training,” he said. “I was happy to have him there. He was super enthusiastic. I like it a lot when these young guys come in and they aren’t being superstars, they’re just coming in and being normal guys.
"We’re here to ride motorbikes, and even though it’s a job you still have to make some fun out of it. For him to come and train was a lot of fun. The kid is an immense talent."
"I’ve learnt a lot in my time here. I’ve been on both sides… When I was in Moto3 I didn’t know anyone or anything and I was trying to fight for a world title," Miller said.
"I just tried to give him a little guidance, saying 'do what you’ve been doing, it’s been working out until now. Don’t let anyone try and change you. Do what works for you and keep it like that'. He’s a smart enough kid.
"Aki and I have discussed it. I’m happy to have him come along to training. Like I said, he’s not a superstar, he’s not one of these that thinks he’s better than everyone else.
"He’s just a normal bloke who enjoys riding motorcycles."
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