It's challenging to pinpoint exactly which element of a particular motor race thrills spectators the most. But in Japan, Pedro Acosta was the obvious choice if we measure it by the tone of voice used by the different MotoGP television commentators.
And it's possible that the announcers' awe and volume while Acosta was doing anything on screen was a reflection of what was happening in front rooms all across the world. Because, dare we say it, Acosta's story is more interesting than the current championship match.
At Motegi, the 20-year-old MotoGP sensation was a box office success all weekend. In a way that only generational abilities can, there were times during practice when his complete ease in maneuvering the KTM around some of the circuit's most sweeping curves attracted attention. He flung his RC16 into those turns, sometimes giving the impression that he was fused to it. Simon Crafar and his colleagues' heightened shouts were justified by the virtuoso's riding alone.
Even without taking into account the gripping Acosta story, that is. It is based on the anticipation that the Moto2 world champion carried with him prior to the start of the 2024 season. This seems to have resurfaced even more as he entered Japan displaying fresh indications of form after simmering down when he and his KTM—a private one, remember—had a somewhat unproductive mid-season.
At this circuit, which is undoubtedly strong for KTM, the sense that he was about to give it his all was fully warranted. He swept to his first pole position on Saturday, bringing a genuine sense of theater to this new, hotter limelight. As they say, the stage was set.
It would be too clear a script, though, to charge to his first victory and defeat the current double world champion. Rather, sport's beautiful unpredictability took over.
In the sprint, he tricked us all for a long time. He has been making illogical decisions in Qatar since the beginning, and that pass on Bagnaia was typical of them. When he stops so late and throws it in so fast, you know something has to give. With this type of Acosta overtake, you always do. Then he strikes that apex, so close to the kerb that it would be difficult for a snake to get through.
It appeared as though fate was playing out when he made his signature move to reclaim the lead he had lost at the beginning. However, that only made the hero's collapse more likely. Additionally, the word "fall" may be taken literally in motorcycle racing.
But what a Sunday setup that was. It wouldn't be shocking if some people who might not have otherwise paid much attention to the Japanese Grand Prix were drawn in by the possibility of Acosta's chance at redemption. Especially, one supposes, those of casual watchers who are free to enter or exit MotoGP. After all, this is what they use to make movies.
Everyone is aware of what transpired at the Grand Prix. While jockeying with Bagnaia for the victory, another trip to the gravel trap was made. Acosta will have to wait till Phillip Island gets another chance. However, he gave the kind of teaser that gets people up in the wee hours of the morning to see the following performance before bowing and letting the curtain down on his Motegi concert.
"I refuse to believe that Ducati is superior to KTM," he declared to the press. "We are aware that we are not as good as Ducati. However, we observed that they are not invulnerable.
Of course, that is a very obvious contradiction. It can only be understood as a deliberate choice to disregard the reality. It's a strong, young stubbornness that compels both finger-waggers who are eager to say "told you so" and those who wish to ride along vicariously to see what happens next. Speaking in this manner, Acosta can only increase the number of people attending the Australian Grand Prix in two weeks.
"You have to gamble sometimes in life," he continued. especially when Pecco [Bagnaia] is in the lead. I'll take the chance, but he won't.
Acosta was only hinting that Bagnaia wouldn't want to chance losing a significant number of points because he is competing for a world championship, which has long since lost all significance for sixth-place finisher Acosta.
Here's the question: is Acosta's exclusion from the championship story a bad thing?
This year could mark the 75th anniversary of the motorcycle world championship, which is even older than Formula 1. It may have a rich history and heritage. However, we occasionally need to be reminded that motorsport may provide interesting context without relying on a points table. It can be sufficient for an arrogant underdog to ignore the facts and confront the bullies in his pursuit of a prestigious Grand Prix victory—for the trophy, not the points.
Regardless of the category, tying races together for a championship nearly always deprives events of their uniqueness and takes away part of the prestige that comes with winning them. If you will, they often end up being just another brick in the points wall.
In retrospect, it may have been for the best that the Isle of Man TT left the world championship after 1976. After all, it has kept attracting gamblers and establishing its reputation ever since. And the TT always has an interesting narrative to tell, no matter where you look in the utterly non-championship Douglas paddock each year.
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It's important to note how much ahead of the game MotoGP was in comparison to certain other sports, even though the concept of a number of non-championship races will remain a thought experiment in modern MotoGP. Despite constant calls for "context," some are only now starting to experiment with the concept of leagues and tables.
Before establishing a world championship league in 2019, Test cricket, for instance, managed to survive for well over a century by playing games for their own sake. There hasn't been much of an impact on coverage or interest levels. Even now, traditional rugby tours, where the only goal is to win that series, are gradually being replaced by round robins and similar formats. This is true even though stadiums are consistently full and entertainment is better than ever.
These sports may be cautious about their wishes. Take golf, which has essentially lost all structural framework because of a bitter political dispute that has been going on since 2022. Supposedly a disaster. Its four main titles, however, have triumphed over the indifference. Each of these gives a prize that any golfer would kill for and is unique among tours and leagues. In reality, how significant is contrived "context"?
Three-quarters of a century ago, Motorsport established its "points race" course, and it is here to stay. However, Acosta's drawcard serves as a reminder that it doesn't always require assistance in creating a compelling story for its followers.
There are actors in every sport, including MotoGP. Every occasion serves as a stage. However, since the show never stops and no one receives a script, it's superior to theater. Sometimes stepping back and letting the players loose is sufficient.
Transitioning from the fictional world to the real one, let's face it: fewer races could make the championship fight as interesting a plot as Pedro Acosta's. Well, now that I think about it, we're probably still in that imaginary world. But really.
On paper, the Martin vs. Bagnaia matchup appears to be a huge ding-dong. A punch, a counterpunch, and so forth. However, there is a reason why boxing matches aren't 40 rounds long, other from knockouts, of course. It would get boring. Individuals would begin to stray.
Speaking of which, wouldn't Phillip Island make the ideal venue for the season finale of a real world championship? Maybe with Acosta putting his nose in the way of the main players on this ultimate riders' tour.
The season-closer has previously been held there. Furthermore, Liberty Media might want to consider this idea for the future. However, MotoGP should be grateful that Pedro Acosta has regained his form in time for this year's Australian Grand Prix. Because his story is the most likely reason why those Europeans will jump out of bed at the crack of dawn on Sunday morning.
