MotoGP: Pedro Acosta struggling with 'huge rival' Fermin Aldeguer - 'Pedro is the next hero of racing from Spain - or so he thought'

Pedro Acosta and Fermin Aldeguer were locked in a fascinating duel during Saturday's Sprint race at the Grand Prix Aragon. TNT Sports expert Neil Hodgson explained after how the two Spanish youngsters are "huge rivals" and that Acosta is struggling after thinking he would be "the next hero of racing from Spain." The pair are level on points in the MotoGP standings.

Pedro Acosta is "having a hard time" with "huge rival" Fermin Aldeguer, according to Neil Hodgson, after thinking he would be "the next hero of racing from Spain."

KTM rider Acosta couldn’t hold his compatriot at bay as Aldeguer (Gresini) stormed to a podium finish by finishing third in Saturday’s Sprint race at Grand Prix Aragon.

That meant that going into Sunday’s Grand Prix, the two youngsters were level on 63 points in the MotoGP riders’ championship standings.

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Analysing the race, TNT Sports expert Hodgson pointed out that the rivalry between the pair goes back a long way, despite their youth.

Acosta, aged 21, finished an impressive sixth in his debut MotoGP season last year, claiming five podiums.

But he threatens to be overshadowed by 20-year-old Aldeguer this year, who is enjoying a breakthrough year in his maiden MotoGP campaign.

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"They’ve got different tyres on, they are on different motorcycles, but these are two kids from the same area, who have grown up together, and they are huge rivals," Hodgson said.

"Pedro is the star, Pedro is the next hero of racing from Spain – or so he thought.

"Then this man comes past him. He’s on a better package, a better bike - the 2024 Ducati - and for Pedro that is rubbing salt in the wound."

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Hodgson then reviewed the Sprint race, where Acosta did his best to duel Aldeguer for position before having to surrender position.

"Pedro does everything he can, he passes him back, but he’s gone in a bit too hot," Hodgson said.

"The man behind him just manages to turn tight on that Ducati and gets on the inside.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

"Unfortunately, from that point there is nothing he could really do against Aldeguer.

"That is so frustrating. Imagine the younger rider from your village, from the same area, beating you. He is having a really hard time, is Pedro, at the moment."

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