Red Bull

by James Warren from https://www.theolivepress.es SPAIN has often been called the mecca for motorcycle racing, with world champions being cultivated from the moment they can sit on a bike. Household names like Marc Marquez, Aleix Espargaro and current champ Joan Mir all started riding and racing while they were at school, making use of Spain’s love of two wheels to develop their talents unhindered. As these riders fight to earn their latest victories in 2021, they all have one eye on one name that is causing waves in the Moto3 World Championship. And that name is Pedro Acosta, a young 17-year-old from Mazarron, Murcia. So far in 2021, the young man has taken three victories and one podium in the first four races, shattering records for the 250cc class and leaving experts to hail him as a ‘future legend’. But how has this teenager become one of the most exciting prospects since Marc Marquez arrived on the scene back in 2008. The answer can be found at the Circuito de Cartagena, a race track six kilometres northwest of the popular resort. The circuit is popular with trackday riders, people who own motorcycles who rent sessions on the track to hone their skills. Acosta’s father, also Pedro, was one such rider, with a love for American legend Kevin Schwanz, and eager for his son to inherit his love for two wheels. “Dad had a Suzuki like Schwantz’s and I grew up looking at the photos and videos of him.” said Acosta in an interview with Spanish publication Marca. Acosta’s father, keen to see his son carry on the mantle, give him a €150 Chinese Motina bike at the age of five, and brought him to track days at the Cartagena circuit to watch his father ride. “At first he was not