Pedro Acosta has receꩲived a glowing reference after Aleix Espargaꦡro got a close-up view of his talent.

Rookie Acosta shone at the preseason MotoGPဣ test in Sepang by going second-fastest on the opening day.

His emergence resulted in Pol Esp🅰argaro being demoted from Te🅠ch3 GASGAS full-time rider to a KTM test spot.

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

“Since arriving in the championship he hasඣ done ex꧑traordinary things.

“It’s ju🌱st his thi♉rd time in Sepang, his second time in MotoGP.

“Obviously he has been riding for 𝔍a lot of [time].

“When you see him on t🔯rack, I was r🎃iding 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 enjoᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤✤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚyed this first test of the season.

“We did a really good job. We’ve completed our 🌸best test programme since ꦬI’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.”

Alei♓x’s sprint simulatio꧒n was seven seconds faster than it was a year ago.

“We did a solid job. Michelin told me that we simulated the spr🌄int with used tyres,” he said.

“It was a💙lmost our qualifying lap time of last year so I’m happy with these improvements.”

But Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola claims they 𓃲cannot fight for the championship.

“He’s right,” Aleix said. “Once again, all t💖he Ducatis were on top.

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

“Wꦯe improved 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] are s💯till the bike to beat.”