While passing through Cartagena, as part of the private tests organized by Johann Zarco, in December, Paddock-GP had the chance to meet Pedro Acosta's dad on his fishing boat, moored in the city's port. During our discussions, the first part of which was published this Sunday, we were able to discuss a wide range of subjects, from the world of fishing to that of motorcycling, focusing on his son's journey to MotoGP , where he now plays for the KTM factory team.
The second part of our interview with Pedro Acosta's dad, this time focuses on the Spaniard's beginnings. He thus evokes all the efforts put in place by his family so that Pedro can live his passion to the fullest, including his first races.
You didn't want Pedro to be a fisherman, and he chose the motorcycle…
“Yes, the motorcycle sector has arrived. We didn't do it thinking that Pedro was going to participate in the world championship, far from it. We did it for leisure, because we loved it. We had fun, you know what I mean? In the end, the years passed. There were people who told me that my boy was very good, and that there were many possibilities of reaching the world championship. »
Did you realize he had the potential to go far?
“When people who live in this world, and who have spent their whole lives in this world of motorcycles, like Julián Miralles or Jaime Alguersuari, or Aspar tell you that, you arrive at the moment where you believe it, right? So we took it more seriously. We did a series of things so that Pedro could get there. I had to invest a lot of money. »
The Peretujo, the boat of Pedro Acosta's father in the port of Cartagena © Luca Bartolomeo
Did you do absolutely everything to make it happen?
“Yes, yes, of course. I mortgaged the boat. I made a loan with the boat for Pedro. And it worked well, because if it hadn't worked, we would have to continue paying the loan without having anything. But ultimately, I would do it again, you know. Because I didn't want to have regrets. It was fair, it was very fair with the money, so I decided to try. With the consent of the family, my father and others. Because this boat is ours, my father and me. »
It was a big risk…
“A big risk. We played with family money, because the whole family depends on this boat. Do you see what I mean? All our lives we have been fishermen, we have lived and have what we have thanks to the sea, and to our work on the boat. My wife is an only child, so am I, I am an only child, I don't have a sister, I don't have anyone and that's really up to us. But when Pedro was in the Spanish championship, my father said to me: 'The little boy wins every race, we can't let Pedro down.' I was afraid that anything would happen. If we break something. You have to have money to pay. But he gave me carte blanche to do what I had to do. He told me: 'The little one must keep running.' And that's what we did. The rest is history and Pedro. »
However, your family was not involved in motorcycle racing…
“The family no, there were no drivers, not even amateurs, nor any fans. When I was little, I was always inspired by Schwantz and Rainey. Ever since he was little, I've told him that he sets the limit for himself, in his head. The limit is what everyone puts in their head, it’s what they think they can do. Nothing is impossible, you just have to give 100% to what you love most in this world, and try to achieve it. But you have to do it while having fun. »
Pedro Acosta with his father and sister at the age of five © Pedro Acosta Archives
Do you remember his first races?
“I remember that. The second or third race he did on a minimoto, he was crying, he was nervous. Over time he got over it, but it's true that the second race he did, he was penultimate of the two groups, penultimate. He was crying and so on, but I told him: 'No, Pedro, it's not like that. Listen to me, we come here to have fun. I don't care who is last or first. I want to see you have fun. I want you to make an effort, to sweat. If you're second to last, that's good, at least you made an effort. But I'm not going to spend the money to see you cry. If that's why, we stay at home.' »
Did things change after that?
“It’s true that from that moment on, he changed, even if he was a little boy, it changed. I took him to watch him have fun, and I had fun too. We enjoyed it as a family. It was a sport he was passionate about. It's the best thing about motorcycling. During all these years, the best part was the path that led to the world championship. The road you take with your son is everything. No one will ever take it away from you, no one. Because when you arrive in the world championship, there are more interests, more pressure, it's different. It's already professional. »
To be continued…
In the last part of our interview with Pedro Acosta's dad, he will tell you about the rise of the 'Mazarron Shark' to MotoGP, and his impressions of his son's first season in the premier category.
Pedro Acosta's father with Luca Bartolomeo in the port of Cartagena © Marc Seriau
