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 two parts of which have already been published, 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.
In the last part of our interview with Pedro Acosta's dad, he tells you about the rise of the 'Mazarron Shark' to MotoGP, and his impressions of his son's first season in the premier category.
Also read:
MotoGP interview, Acosta Sr. (1/3): “I didn’t want this life for my son”
MotoGP interview, Acosta Sr. (2/3): “At the start, he was penultimate”
You wouldn't have believed that your son could make it to MotoGP?
Back when we started, it was a hobby, like I said. But I tell you, I had a lot of fun. I had a lot of fun, I'm proud of it. I think about it often, throughout my life. If someone had told me 30 years ago that my son was going to ride a motorcycle, and that I was going to meet my idol, Kevin Schwantz, on the Austin circuit, in America… So that's a full life of emotions, experienced 100%. I am very proud and very excited. It's incredible. But I'm still a normal person here. You see, the job is great, I have my boat and my friends. I the same as before.
What is your best memory of Pedro's first year in MotoGP?
The best moment for me was starting. Then, his first podium. For me, his best race was the GP of the Americas. When he finished second. They were there, with Marc, fighting a big battle until Marc [Marquez]the poor thing, doesn't fall. But hey, I'm proud of everything he did. For me today, MotoGP is no longer what it was 10 or 20 years ago. Today there is a very, very, strong rivalry. I mean, doing what he did in his first year, with all the big drivers in the world championship, as a beginner. It's incredible, it's incredible to me. Hats off, I take my hat off to him. We'll see what happens in the years to come, but to see this for one season is incredible.
And your best memory of his career?
Yes, there are many. I don't know which one I could say, because there are a lot of memories. I couldn't tell you what memory, there are too many. So much happened to get to the World Cup. It's been an extraordinary journey, a journey full of joy, but also full of bad moments. Not everything was rosy. But we don't usually talk about the bad times. Before he reached the Red Bull Rookies Cup, there was a very, very difficult period. The year 2017, if I remember it correctly, was really complicated. He was able to regain his place and subsequently, but in 2017 if I remember correctly, his team disbanded overnight. Without really being able to understand why, and it's one of the memories that had the most negative impact on me. It was the worst year, emotionally. The second option was the Red Bull Rookies Cup. When it was accepted we regained confidence, because we knew that it was a path to the world championship. That was the key.
Was this the last hope for him to reach the world championship?
Yes, because I didn't have more money. Ultimately, it's €200 to €250,000 per year, in a team that can win. Because all the others, who cannot win, ask for €60 or €90,000. But it's just to be there. This is pure reality, you understand? Everything else we already know. From there, he launched towards the world championship. I tell you, it's a dream. A dream, both for him and for those around him.
Did you live your son's dream through his exploits?
I never would have believed it in my life. If someone had given me a magic ball to see what the future would bring, I still wouldn't have believed it.
Pedro Acosta and Jorge Lorenzo at Misano in Red Bull Rookies Cup © Pedro Acosta Archives
